Springboks or Bulls?

The Springbok squad was announced last night after a bone crunching encounter at Loftus, which the Stormers came out tops. Out of the 32 man squad named for the England tests, 12 are from the Bulls, 11 from the Sharks, 3 from the Stomers and 2 from both the Lions and Cheetahs. Among these players are 9 uncapped players. Some of the players Heyneke Meyer has chosen are not the best players currently in those specific positions.

Players such as Marcell Coetzee who this year has been impressive but cant hold a candle to Schalk Burgers replacement at the Stormers Sia Kolisi who was the difference in the Bulls clash. He has stood up this season and made his presence felt and should be named in the squad and not just on the fringes.
Elton Jantjies who may have impressed in a poor Lions team is not the best flyhalf currently, not even the second best. Morne Steyn has not been in the form we know he can be, where as Peter Grant has been solid since his return from Japan. His kicking record has been impeccable and has scored a few tries so far and has proved to be the in form flyhalf behind injured Johan Goosen. Wynand Olivier who has never been of Springbok quality finds himself in the squad, a player who has shown no creativeness gets the nod ahead of young and exciting players such as Andries Strauss, Robert Ebersohn and Tim Whitehead all who have put performed him this season. JP Pietersen who has scored a number of tries this year is another player who does not show creativity in his play and gets a place ahead of exciting player Gio Aplon who has made the difference in many games to keep the Stormers at the top of the South African log.

Pierre Spies who has not impressed at all this season and has at times been almost invisible on the field. Players like Lions inspirational captain Josh Strauss and Cheetahs impact player Ashley Johnson would have been a better option in the absence of injured Duane Vermeulen. Zane Kirchner like Olivier lacks excitement and vision and many a player could have been chosen in his place. Joe Pietersen, Willie le Roux, both exciting players who create something from nothing.

There are many top players who are injured but the players chosen in their stead are not the best replacements by a long shot. It appears that South African rugby is falling back into the style of kick and drive with the forwards. In modern rugby this style is outdated and will have no answers for teams who show flare and run the ball. The Springboks are filled with Bulls and Sharks players as per usual over the last few years. Both teams who have a shocking defencive record and up against a newly invigorated English team who will run the ball.

Are we still living in the past or does Heyneke know something we don't?