South Africa - The State of the Nation

1     The unfortunate dispute between SARU manager of referees André Watson and a group of 24 South African referees, among whom are Test and Super Rugby referees, continues, with the independent arbitrator facing a herculean task in resolving the ongoing saga. The next episode in the messy drama takes place on 7 May. Can Watson – who refereed a record number of Rugby World Cup finals (2), Super Rugby finals (5), and Currie Cup finals (7), and who has been SARU refereeing boss since 2011 – survive the onslaught of grievances? Whatever the merits of the respective parties, it is difficult to see how he and this group of referees would be able to work together in future.

2     The Sharks are in Australasia for the overseas leg of their Super Rugby campaign where they play the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Waratahs, and Reds. That is a recipe for a tough month away from Durban, and they are under enormous pressure to turn a miserable season around. With rare exceptions, worthy performances have been sadly lacking and discipline has been a major issue, with three of their Springboks suspended for foul play. The Sharks had been expected pre-season to be strong challengers for the Super Rugby trophy but underachievement as individuals and as a team has been rampant. Bismarck du Plessis and Francois Steyn are back from suspension, but touring without the skill and composure of Patrick Lambie will be a problem.

3     The Stormers props continue to impress as they dominate one front row after another. Frans Malherbe is a Springbok already, Steven Kitshoff must surely gain his Springbok colours this year, Vincent Koch is a contender for a Test debut, and young Oli Kebble has all the makings of a future Bok. 

4     The return from injury of Jan Serfontein will help the Bulls cause, but their continued selection of Dean Greyling at loosehead – and the unfortunate help he gives opponents with the penalties he concedes – and refusal to play Francois Hougaard at scrumhalf, won’t help them.

5     Is Cheetahs head coach Naka Drotske on his way out? With his Shimlas team winning their first-ever  Varsity Cup, former Springbok Franco Smith is more than flavour of the month in Bloemfontein. He has been offered the Currie Cup head coach position and is being touted as Cheetahs Super Rugby coach sooner rather than later.