Gary Boshoff

The moment the Springbok touring squad for the away-leg of the Tri-Nations was announced we knew that the team was going to struggle against their Antipodean rivals. 

In fact, after this past weekend’s demolition job by the Aussies things are looking even more ominous (for the Springboks) for the upcoming All Black Test - no surprises there at all. 

So let’s not waste any time on this subject, that is, unless of course you are an opportunistic Peter de Villiers or John Smit pet-hater.

However, what I’ve found very disappointing about the weekend’s performance is the lack of application and urgency shown by the Springbok second stringers in this golden opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the RWC squad. 

The only players that really looked like serious contenders were Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Chiliboy Ralepelle and of course, Gio Aplon.

The rest did not play with the required gusto and as a result did not impress me at all. More worrying for me after this sub-standard, lackluster performance is the post-RWC state of Springbok rugby. Who will step into the shoes of the likes of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Fourie du Preez, etc. when they leave Springbok rugby after the RWC? 

There has however been a few encouraging performances.

Mvovo has now surely earned his RWC selection with another impressive performance after his consistent performances in the 2010 Currie Cup, the 2010 end of year tour to the UK when he scored that scintillating try at Twickenham and an equally impressive 2011 Super Rugby campaign. Every time he touched the ball against the Wallabies on Saturday he was dangerous and appeared calm and composed under pressure. He should make the RWC squad along with Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen and Odwa Ndungane – he has earned it on merit!
 
The same can be said about Lambie. He has done more than enough to merit a ticket to New Zealand. The only consideration that might derail his inclusion is the secure boot of Morne Steyn (for place and tactical kicking) and the selection of Francois Steyn in the last line of defence. Lambie has been a revelation and is without a doubt the best flyhalf prospect we have at the moment. He’s got the right temperament, brilliant anticipation and is fearless, both in attack and in defence. When he came on against the Aussies he clearly demonstrated the need for the Springbok backs to play closer to the advantage line when attacking while at the same time upping the tempo. Morne Steyn plays from far too deep and doesn’t run flat enough to worry a quality defensive outfit. It is a mindset that has to change quickly if the Springboks are to stand a realistic chance to retain the Webb Ellis trophy.   

While everyone is whining about John Smit’s appointment as Springbok captain for the RWC, I have been impressed with Ralepelle’s form as of late. He has consistently upped the ante when coming on as an impact player, be it for the Springboks or the Bulls in Super Rugby and has earned his spot in the Springbok RWC squad. There is no doubt that Bismarck du Plessis is our best hooker and that any Springbok coach that sends his team onto the field without his ‘best forward’ has lost the plot. This is the dilemma that Peter De Villiers has created for himself; a dilemma that will haunt him throughout the RWC. Does he start the Springboks’ matches with their captain on the bench or does he leave his “best player” on the bench? How and when will he decide to compromise a quality player for a quality leader? What price will the Springboks have to pay for this compromise?

When the “real” Springboks take to the field in New Zealand in September, all the hullabaloo about the team's poor performance in the Tri-Nations will long be forgotten. The success of their RWC campaign will only be measured against the results at the RWC. It should be obvious that the Springbok management has decided that this year's Tri-Nations is not an important part of their RWC preparations.

However, what they have ignored is the effect this has on proud Springbok fans who hate to see their beloved Springboks lose (and lose badly) against the All Blacks and Wallabies.

De Villiers should have had more regard for the fans when he decided to send an ill-prepared Springbok side straight to the slaughter Down Under.

Gary Boshoff is a former SARU player and current Afrikaans rugby commentator on SuperSport.

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