Bok kicking ace goes for gold

Former Springbok kicking ace Braam van Straaten has been offered a one-year contract extension with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and will continue as the Wallabies’ goal-kicking coach.

Van Straaten, who played for the Stormers at Super Rugby level, has been travelling the world in recent times mentoring the best goal-kickers in the game by providing expert analysis of their performances and specialised assistance on a freelance basis.

One such assignment was his role at the recent World Cup with the Wallabies squad, and it is a relationship he is only too happy to continue.

He told the Business Day newspaper: “It is great. Australia have a whole lot of talented players such as Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor and they are very professional, so it is a pleasure working with them.

“I also enjoyed my time with the team at the World Cup.

“As things stand, we have agreed on the terms of the contract, so all that is left to do is sign it,” he added.

Van Straaten also spent some time with the Currie Cup-winning Lions team this year and the results were plain to see as their flyhalf Elton Jantjies failed to miss a single kick at goal in the semifinal and final of South Africa’s premier domestic competition, helping the Lions to take their first title in 12 years.

However, there have been rumours of financial difficulties at the union and as yet Van Straaten is not sure whether his services will be required at Coca-Cola Park in 2012.

He explained: “I have to find out exactly what they expect from me and I have a few terms as well, so there are a few details that have to be finalised before I sign with them.

“But I would like to be involved with the union. They also have talented players who have great potential.”