SARU 'quotas' achievable on merit
After my article last week – which stated that quotas in South African sport must stop – I decided to put on a coach/selector's cap and named a Springbok team on merit.
I attempted to see how many non-white players will make my team.
By that I'm not saying these non-whites are quotas, they are merit selections all the way.
I have a dream. I have a dream that soon SA sporting teams can be selected without first going to see if the ANC will allow the teams to take to the field – or count the number of non-white players.
I have a dream that SA teams will be picked on Merit and Merit only!
Even if such a team ends up been lily-white.
SA coaches, however, must stop the 'bigger is better' mentality if we are going to reap the benefits of the big pool of players in the Republic.
Players like Gio Aplon (1,75m), Brent Russell (1,74m) and Breyton Paulse (1,77m) had to prove themselves in every single game.
Mannetjies Roux (1,70m), a legendery Springbok player, can be so glad he is sitting with 'Blokkies Joubert' and not playing now – as Heyneke Meyer would not have picked him.
This is now the dilemma that Cheslin Kolbe (1,71m) will face on the road to play for the Springboks.
Meyer made some ridiculous decisions with his very first SpringBulls, oops Springbok squad.
JJ Engelbrecht, Zane Kirchner, Jacques Potgieter, Wynand Oliver, Dean Greyling, Werner Kruger and at one stage all three Bulls scrumhalves were in the squad – and that did not include Fourie du Preez.
The way to the Green & Gold was through the light blue, pink or cameo jerseys.
Luckily, Meyer saw the light and gave opportunities Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks and Nizaam Carr.
How long did it take for him to include Cobus Reinach? Too long!
Meyer should stop feeling 'boxed in' by political pressure.
Broaden your mind and work with all talent that the Republic can offer.
Use smaller, silky-footed players and build a game plan which allow players with the X-factor to express themselves.
Why do I believe that this 'quota' is possible even for this World Cup?
This would be my Merit Springbok team for the RWC Final if everyone is fit and available.
This team will even have the ANC toy-toying with happiness.
15 Willie le Roux
14 JP Pietersen/Cornal Hendricks
13 Juan de Jongh
12 Damian de Allende/Jean de Villiers*
11 Bryan Habana
10 Patrick Lambie
9 Fourie du Preez
8 Duane Vermeulen
7 Schalk Burger
6 Francois Louw
5 Andries Bekker**/Pieter Steph-du Toit
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 Bismarck du Plessis
1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Cobus Reinach , Handré Pollard , Cheslin Kolbe , Trevor Nyakane , Adriaan Strauss , Frans Malherbe, Andries Bekker/Pieter Steph-du Toit**, Nizaam Carr.
*Jean de Villiers if ready.
** Andries Bekker if available.
This team includes four players of colour in the starting XV and three on the bench, all on merit.
What do you think of this team?
Pick your merit Bok team.
PS: Looking at the Blues' strategy against the Stormers at the line-out: Wasn't that law of non-contesting by the opponents changed at the Under-20 Junior World Championship? If the opponents step back from a line-out, the ref should inform the attacking team that the maul should stop and be played immediately. The opponents were not allowed to come around if they were stepping away. If a team steps away further than five meters, it is a penalty to the attacking team?
AussieBoer (Kevin D)
@rugby365com
