South Africa: Key Questions

South Africa: Key Questions

Damian, Jesse – and Jean

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Springboks performances against the World XV, Wallabies, and All Blacks was the attacking play of centre pair Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. But with Jean de Villiers having played 20 minutes for the Boks and then 60 minutes and a full 80 for Western Province, and with signs of his acceleration returning, what is Heyneke Meyer’s midfield plan for the World Cup? De Villiers’s leadership, decision-making, defence, and composure are critical Bok assets. De Villiers can play 12 or 13, but what centre combination will be most effective for the Boks?

Francois Steyn

Steyn should be fit to play against Argentina in Buenos Aires on 15 August. Both teammates and opponents will tell you he is a potential match-winner, a force on attack, a bone-crusher on defence, and with his missile-launcher boot. How will Meyer use him? At 12 he’d be competing with Jean de Villiers, Damian de Allende, and Jan Serfontein. Is he a wiser option than Willie le Roux at fullback in a RWC play-off game?

Super Rugby Coaches

Who will be coaching the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, and Kings in the 2016 Super Rugby competition? With RWC ending on 31 October and teams starting Super Rugby preparation in November, waiting until after the RWC to appoint coaches would be leaving it more than a little late. Suitable candidates are thin on the ground.

Andre Watson vs Mark Lawrence

With ousted SARU General Manager of Referees Andre Watson instituting civil action against former colleague Mark Lawrence in the aftermath of his dismissal by SARU – suing Lawrence for 500,000 ZAR – and intending to take his ousting on review to the Labour Court, the issue will not go away quickly or quietly. How detrimental will the absence of a General Manager of Referees be for SA refereeing?

Paarl Boys’ High vs Paarl Gimnasium

Is there a bigger schools’ derby in the world than this one? Does any schools’ game get bigger, louder, more passionate crowds or stronger TV viewership? And they achieve that extraordinary level of support year after year. Saturday’s derby day provided another magnificent display of schools’ rugby at its best.