Bekker, Flip back in Bok WC mix
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will leave no stone unturned to ensure the best 31 players will go to the World Cup this year.
That is why he will attempt to convince players like Andries Bekker and Flip van der Merwe to make themselves available for national selection.
Addressing a media scrum at a Bok training camp in Cape Town on Monday, Meyer said that there's a good chance Bekker will come out of a three-year self-imposed Test hiatus.
The same applies to another seasoned Bok lock, Flip van der Merwe. The French-bound second row said last month he was not available for national selection, but Meyer believes he could convince him to change his mind.
The other big name Meyer would like to have on his 'available' list is injured Sharks utility back Frans Steyn. However, it appears unlikely his impasse with the South African Rugby Union will be resolved soon, while he also underwent surgery for a torn pectoral injury and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Bekker, who has been plying his trade in Japan at Kobelco Steelers, played the last of his 29 Tests against the All Blacks in 2012.
With a dearth of No.5 locks – in the wake of injuries to players like Pieter-Steph du Toit (knee) and Stephan Lewies (knee) – the 31-year-old Bekker's experience could be invaluable at the World Cup.
"I am going to have a on-on-one with Andries tomorrow [Tuesday]," Meyer said, adding: "I think there is a good chance that he probably would be available."
The Bok mentor revealed he had a brief telephonic conversation with Van der Merwe, who has played in 35 Tests for his country between 2010 and last year.
"Unfortunately they [the Bulls] have been on tour for a month," Meyer said about his chat with he 29-year-old lock.
"I always said I would like to look at every single player, every single player will have a look-in and I will have meetings with all the guys, so I can select the best 31 [players] for the World Cup."
While injury and boardroom politics could have the final say in Steyn's possible World Cup involvement, Meyer expressed his admiration for the 28-year-old World Cup winner – who has made 53 Test appearances since 2006.
"It is a pity Frans is injured again," the Bok coach said, adding: I still think he is a great player and a world class player.
"He has had a tough season – it is a pity he is not available and he has had a lot of injuries."
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
