South Africa: State of the Nation

Is there any rugby nation with more passionate expectation of success than South Africa? The demand from

the masses for victory in every Test match is uncompromising. The reaction when the Springboks lose is to

demand the dismissal of the coach, to write off certain players, and to insist that big changes are needed in

coaching and selection. Amongst the hierarchy, fortunately, more circumspection will prevail.

Heyneke Meyer

Were Meyer and his foremost assistant coach, Johann van Graan, reappointed as Bok coaches through to

2019 weeks before the start of RWC 2015? That’s the popularly believed story in South Africa, up to now

with no confirmation or denial from SARU. Since nothing less than winning the Final would make South

Africans happy, Meyer faces a hostile homecoming next week, with perceived issues including questions

about selection of ageing veterans, conservative game strategy, lack of ‘transformation’, and even his in-

game emotional highs and lows as highlighted on TV. Non-South Africans may not comprehend the

emotions and fervently held convictions involved in a nation with millions of self-confessed rugby experts.

Quotas

Since SA Rugby is committed to having 50% black players in every national representative team by 2019,

Meyer or whoever takes over as Springbok coach will have more than rugby excellence at Test level as a

goal. Unless Super Rugby coaches are forced to select more black players, increasing Bok representation to

50% black players will be very tough indeed.

Game Strategy vs Argentina?

Of more immediate concern for Meyer and his fellow coaches and senior players, is the approach they will

take to playing against Argentina in Friday’s 3rd vs 4th playoff. Will they remain committed to their game of

physical intensity, setting up phases by bashing into opponents and winning collisions, playing to what they

regard as Springbok ‘traditional strengths’, or will they attempt to play a less predictable game to make

defence so much more difficult for Los Pumas?

Schalk Burger’s mea culpa

Schalk Burger taking the Bok defeat to New Zealand on his own shoulders for losing the ball forward in

contact in the lead-up to the All Blacks second try, was noble of him, typical of the graciousness of one of

the toughest but possibly ‘nicest guys’ in world rugby. But his contribution to this Bok team has been huge,

and to Springbok rugby over the years massive, and if fingers were to be pointed at individuals, he would not

be anywhere near the top of the list.

Currie Cup

The Golden Lions were the most efficient, most skilful, most adventurous team in this year’s Currie Cup

competition, from start to finish, unbeaten in the league and worthy winners of the final. They showed South

Africa just how creative winning rugby can be – in stark contrast to the Bok game-plan.