BlitzBoks not being backed
The South African Rugby Union needs to give the Springbok Sevens side all the help necessary if they’re to challenge seriously for Olympic Gold in 2016, writes Grant Ball in his new rugby365.com column.
Before the Commonwealth Games began, Paul Treu’s side weren’t expected to compete for first place, which was eventually secured by New Zealand. That they claimed bronze in Delhi was seen as a success, but for a top rugby nation, only the best should be demanded and that they weren’t seriously gold medal contenders is a travesty.
The Boks were hampered by injuries to captain Kyle Brown, Frankie Horne, and Chris Dry before the tournament even began, but even if they’d had a full-strength squad, the players at Treu’s disposal wouldn’t have compared favourably to the quality in the Australian and Kiwi teams.
The Australasian unions gave their countries the best possible opportunity to win gold by calling up Super 14 regulars such as Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford (New Zealand), Lachie Turner and Nick Cummins (Australia).
Where was similar backing from SARU?
The main difference between SARU and the Australasian unions is that the latter couple’s players are centrally contracted and they determine where players such as All Blacks wings Gear and Guildford are required, but in certain instances, SARU could have made a decision for the betterment of South African rugby.
Treu requested that Lionel Mapoe be released by Free State – who he’s in the middle of a protracted legal battle with – to join the Sevens training squad.
The Cheetahs refused, but SARU should have made a stronger decision that would have given confidence to the Sevens squad, would have been advantageous for the player (who hasn’t played competitive rugby since mid-March), and would have helped the Bok senior side, because Peter de Villiers is intent on selecting Mapoe for the Grand Slam tour in November.
Sevens is very different to the XV-a-side format, but now both national teams have been hampered by SARU’s unwillingness to take a stance on the matter.
If the Boks are to seriously challenge for Olympic Gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, they’ll need quality individuals, not just a hard-working coach in Treu and run-of-the mill players.
In India, Treu unearthed a real find in SA Under-20 loose forward Lubabalo Mtembu, not just for his bronze-medal winning try against England, but also for his general work-rate and ability.
Looking ahead to six years’ time, Mtembu should form part of the Bok Sevens team, even if he takes the intended step up to the senior squad.
After the 2015 World Cup – if Mtembu hypothetically makes that squad – he should be drafted back into the Sevens group for that season in order to give the side the best possible chance to challenge Australia and New Zealand.
Mapoe is another case. He’s been through the Sevens nursery, and after making his name with the senior side, for one season he should go back to Sevens in order to claim what is the greatest achievement in sport: Olympic gold.
In Delhi the Boks were outclassed by the Aussies 17-7 in the semifinal, while they were even lucky to reach that stage after Scotland botched an easy try-scoring chance in the final movement of the quarter-final. That shows how they need a couple of players such as Guildford and Gear in their squad, along with Sevens regulars.
That bronze is viewed as a success for Treu’s side is an indictment on SARU and not the players and coaching staff. SARU has six years before rugby’s re-introduction to the Olympics. Let’s hope the team is afforded every opportunity to be realistic contenders.
* Grant Ball writes for www.rugbyxv.co.za
