Share

Andrews: Keep Bakkies abroad

Cape Town - Former Springbok lock Mark Andrews says the Boks should learn to play without calling on Bakkies Botha's number.

Botha and Victor Matfield formed a legendary lock partnership over a number of years for South Africa, but with Matfield now retired and Botha plying his trade with Toulon in France, Andrews believes bringing Botha into the Springbok fold won't suffice.

"It's not the answer to bring Bakkies back. The younger locks should be given a chance to show their worth, especially with a new coach (Heyneke Meyer) for the Springboks," Andrews told the Volksblad newspaper.

Andrews, however, feels Botha might still be useful when the Boks play arch rivals, the All Blacks.

"Bakkies is at the end of his career, but make no mistake, I'd want to have him in my team any time we play New Zealand.

"But the younger guys should now get a chance. I have the highest of regard for Bakkies but South Africa should learn to play without him."

Andrews feels a number of locks in Super Rugby are good enough to easily step into the Springbok team.

"Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth (both Stormers), Anton Bresler (Sharks), Flip van der Merwe (Bulls) and even the young Paul Willemse from the Lions impressed me. Then there's also someone like Steven Sykes (Sharks) with heaps of experience," said Andrews.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE