South Africa: Never a dull moment

Eddie Jones

Reports that former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones – whose contribution to the South Africa winning the 2007 World Cup was much enjoyed by Springbok players – is in talks with the Stormers to assume the franchise’s Super Rugby head coach position, is an exciting proposition. Allister Coetzee got close but was never able to win the Super Rugby competition; the appointment of Jones could make all the difference the Stormers need.

Pressure on Heyneke?

The issue of selecting a white-dominated Springbok team continues unabated, with last week’s hullabaloo as to whether Damian de Allende is white or coloured a sad new nadir for the debate. The question is: Will Heyneke Meyer be under pressure to deviate from the 31 players he wants to select for the World Cup to appease those demanding greater representation for black players?

Four more years?

Those opposing a renewal of Heyneke Meyer’s contract as Springbok coach through to the 2019 World Cup need to put forward names of viable alternatives. The SA coaching cupboard of possible Test coaches is close to empty. SARU will not be keen to go back to Jake White or Nick Mallett, SARU’s High Performance Manager Rassie Erasmus is unlikely to want the job, and Gert Smal is comfortably ensconced in a high-paying, out-of-the-firing-line position at Newlands. From a perspective of brilliant coaching acumen and invaluable experience, the obvious alternative is John Mitchell, but SARU may not want to appoint a New Zealander, and the accomplished Mitchell is probably too uncompromising a straight-shooter for some players and officials.

Hougaard and Kriel

Perhaps the two unluckiest players in SA right now are Francois Hougaard and Jaco Kriel, the former playing superbly for the Bulls Currie Cup team, having been restored to the 9 jersey, and the latter continuing in the Currie Cup where he left off his openside flank Super Rugby campaign, playing brilliant rugby.

Paul Jordaan

One of the most talented young players in SA in recent years, Sharks centre Paul Jordaan, is back in the Currie Cup to pick up his injury-ridden career. He produced a moment of his magical skill for the Sharks against the Kings on Saturday. He is a special talent and will still – if he can remain injury-free – make his mark in the Springbok jersey in years to come.