Cape Town - South African rugby is set for an increased focus on transformation with the clear objective to have a Springbok side comprising at least 50% players of colour by the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
And while transformation in South African rugby is no new conversation, SARU's renewed commitment to the cause has raised obvious questions as to what a Springbok squad might look like under a new coach over the next four years.
Former Springbok centre Brendan Venter had a question of his own: What would the Springbok side look like if it was made up entirely of players of colour?
Venter took to Twitter, and came up with the following side:
15. Zane Kirchner, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Juan de Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Rudy Paige, 8. Tera Mtembu, 7. Nizaam Carr, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Oupa Mohoje, 4. Giant Mtyanda, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Scarra Ntubeni/Bongi Mbonambi, 1. Beast Mtawarira/Lizo Gqoboka
"Not bad", was Venter's own response to his side.
How would a team look if we were forced to pick 15 players of color. .
— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) December 4, 2015
Beast or Luzo. Bongi or Scarra. Trevor. Giant. Oupa at lock. Kolisi. Carr. Terra. Rudi. Elton. Juan. Lionel. Brian. Jp and zane. Not bad.
— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) December 4, 2015
They could face a team of Kitsy Adriaan. Frans. Eben and PS. Flo. Schalk. Duane. Cobus pat. Damian Jesse. Combrink JJ en Willie Sal werk !.
— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) December 4, 2015
The most important thing a coach must get his head around is supporting his players unconditionally.That is when you see quotas performing
— Brendan Venter (@BrendanVenter) December 4, 2015