Springboks - State Of The Campaign

Jean de Villiers is a rugby icon – 109 Test matches, 37 as captain, scoring 27 Test tries, 50 matches for Western Province and 105 for the Stormers; he came through SA Schools and under 19 and under 21 and Sevens, has been SA Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. What cannot be measured accurately is his contribution as captain – his decision-making, composure under pressure, and strong, judicious leadership on and off the field is unquantifiable. There are other leaders in the Springbok squad, of course, but the loss of their charismatic captain – the ‘glue’ in the team – is a severe setback to the team.

De Villiers can be replaced more easily as centre than as captain, though Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are both injury concerns after Saturday’s bruising encounter with Samoa. In De Allende, Kriel, and Jan Serfontein though, the Boks have three of the most gifted young centres in world rugby. The defence of the former two is not as formidable as their attack, but all three are real talents. If injuries are a concern later this week, Handré Pollard can play 12 and JP Pietersen 13 if necessary.

Victor Matfield now becomes even more important to the Bok campaign. His leadership is now crucial – and at age 38 he is still the best line-out jumper at the World Cup – on his ball and opposition ball.

Fourie du Preez has emerged – to no one’s surprise – as the key player. The difference he made to the Bok performance on Saturday was massive. Du Preez remaining injury-free could be the deciding factor in the Springboks fate in RWC 2015.

Heyneke Meyer’s fullback selection will be interesting – the steady, solid, reliable but unspectacular Zane Kirchner, or Willie le Roux, a player with abundant attacking flair but prone to unforced errors, not costly against Samoa but potentially disastrous in tighter games where the opposition are better equipped to capitalise.

Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen may be veterans, but their contribution remains potent.

Duane Vermeulen’s performance against Samoa was remarkable considering that he hasn’t played rugby for nearly four months. He’ll be back to his brilliant best when he regains match fitness.