Bakkies: Flip can add value
Springbok lock Bakkies Botha believes Flip van der Merwe can add value to the Springbok cause this season.
Veteran Bok lock and stand-in captain Victor Matfield suffered a hamstring injury in the heartbreaking 20-24 loss to Australia and is doubtful for this week's Johannesburg Test – leaving the team rather thin in the second row.
With Matfield unlikely to recover in time for the Test against the All Blacks this weekend, the Springboks are short of experience and line-out prowess in lock department.
This has seen experienced lock Van der Merwe called up to the squad ahead of the big match. The 30-year-old was initially left out the Bok plans because of a prior misunderstanding between the player and teammates and management, but that has since been resolved.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said "it made sense to bring him [Van der Merwe] in."
Botha, who has played with Van der Merwe for a number of years at the Bulls and for South Africa and recently trained with the player in the World XV squad, believes Meyer has made the right call.
"I remember a very funny moment when the Springboks played against the World XV two weeks ago," Botha told MyPlayers.co.za.
"When Flip came off the bench for the first time, he immediately went into the line-out. And on the Springboks’ throw, he managed to sneak in ahead of Victor to steal the ball.
"That just shows the value Flip can add. He’s played many games for the Springboks and his experience at the highest level can help the team. He adds value as a No.4 or No.5 lock, which is great versatility to have in the team.
"He also showed great form during the Springboks' European Tour last year, making big tackles and offering the team a quality line-out option.
"I’m not sure what the issues were around Flip's omission in the first place, but hopefully that’s sorted out and everyone can move forward."
MyPlayers.co.za
