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Recent article today refers where Botha indicates that he could still add value to the Springboks.
Lineout possession is crucial on your own ball and presents wonderful opportunities when you manage to gain the opposition ball. Experience is worth its weight in (green and) gold when it comes to top tier internationals. Bakkies Botha is in great form, and comes with a wealth of experience (as does Danie Rossouw).
Bekker has been injury prone in recent times and as such has not been able to provide any real value to the promising young Etsebeth (who can also play at 5) in terms of mentorship. Other locks such as Du Toit are showing signs of potential but it is way too soon for him as recent form indicates, whilst Kruger has made his intentions clear regarding his future. Notwithstanding flashes of brilliance from big Flip van der Merwe, who is very mobile for such a large man, he is still more of an impact player at international level than a starter.
So it is my opinion that Bakkies Botha is still able to offer heaps of value to the Sringboks. As a player he is internationally respected, physically imposing, fit, injury free, and most importantly he is hungry for success. With Botha at 4 the giant Etsebeth may be given much needed time to develop as a 5 at international level, with a lot less pressure on him, making the lineouts his own on the world stage. Whilst a lock combo of Botha and Etsebeth will rival any second row in world rugby for now, the Springboks will have the opportunity to secure the lineout aspect of the game for the foreseeable future, and Etsebeth should relish the opportunity for a bit of on-the-job mentorship by a master of his craft. I say the Springboks cannot afford NOT to play Botha.
Lineout possession is crucial on your own ball and presents wonderful opportunities when you manage to gain the opposition ball. Experience is worth its weight in (green and) gold when it comes to top tier internationals. Bakkies Botha is in great form, and comes with a wealth of experience (as does Danie Rossouw).
Bekker has been injury prone in recent times and as such has not been able to provide any real value to the promising young Etsebeth (who can also play at 5) in terms of mentorship. Other locks such as Du Toit are showing signs of potential but it is way too soon for him as recent form indicates, whilst Kruger has made his intentions clear regarding his future. Notwithstanding flashes of brilliance from big Flip van der Merwe, who is very mobile for such a large man, he is still more of an impact player at international level than a starter.
So it is my opinion that Bakkies Botha is still able to offer heaps of value to the Sringboks. As a player he is internationally respected, physically imposing, fit, injury free, and most importantly he is hungry for success. With Botha at 4 the giant Etsebeth may be given much needed time to develop as a 5 at international level, with a lot less pressure on him, making the lineouts his own on the world stage. Whilst a lock combo of Botha and Etsebeth will rival any second row in world rugby for now, the Springboks will have the opportunity to secure the lineout aspect of the game for the foreseeable future, and Etsebeth should relish the opportunity for a bit of on-the-job mentorship by a master of his craft. I say the Springboks cannot afford NOT to play Botha.
