58 days to go
John Smit: International player... and a world star
THE Springboks’ chances of retaining the William Webb Ellis trophy this autumn are already being questioned by commentators in South Africa due to the selection policy of head coach Peter de Villiers.
John Smit has been retained as captain, despite Bismarck du Plessis long being the established first-choice hooker for the Natal Sharks and the Springboks. He is probably the best number two in the world as well.
The Sharks scrum was dismantled when Smit was switched to prop during the Super 15.
“He’s hungry to go, he’s fresh and the only thing he needs at this moment is game time,” said De Villiers who went on to criticise the Sharks coaches. “John Smit is now where I want him to be. I think they didn’t use him properly this year.
“I put my trust in John by giving him all these kind of criteria that we need at international level. John is not just an international player, he’s a world star.”
De Villiers claimed that 21 injuries are dictating his Tri-Nations selection. Ulster will be concerned by Johann Muller’s hamstring problem, while Ruan Pienaar is in line to feature against Australia in Sydney on July 23rd. However, neither player is expected to make the World Cup squad.
Former Leinster prop CJ van der Linde has also been recalled.
The thorn in the 2009 Lions side, Heinrich Brussow, is back from injury, while kicking machine Morne Steyn is also included. But a tough fortnight is promised without Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Tendai Mtawarira, both Du Plessis brothers, Jacques Fourie, Jean De Villiers, Bryan Habana, JP Pieterson and Frans Steyn.
There may be method to this madness. Former coach Jake White adopted a similar selection policy four years ago, while England sent an under-strength squad to tour South Africa in 2007.
Which teams contested the last World Cup final?
Ruthless stance: Henry and Deans go with form players
IN contrast to South Africa, New Zealand coach Graham Henry this week announced a 30-man Tri-Nations squad based purely on form. That meant no place for veterans like Joe Rokocoko or Luke McAlister, although Ali Williams made a heart-warming return after two years in the wilderness.
Interestingly, there is no specific openside flanker cover for Richie McCaw, while Dan Carter’s outhalf understudy is Colin Slade and not Aaron Cruden.
Australian coach Robbie Deans adopted a similarly ruthless stance by excluding former captain Stirling Mortlock and veteran flanker Phil Waugh. Current captain Rocky Elsom is retained despite playing just one match this season.
Australia face Samoa this weekend in Sydney, while New Zealand play Fiji in Dunedin.
Home run: Lomu visits Tonga to spread RWC word
JONAH Lomu headed a delegation from New Zealand this week as they visited Tonga (the first time Lomu had been “home” in 15 years), Samoa, the Cook Islands and Niue to promote the tournament.
“I’m their son that’s just come home just to say hello and do the things that we’re doing in terms of trying to spread the word of rugby in terms of the RWC in New Zealand 2011, but also in terms of the businesses that, in terms of trade between the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and internationally so it’s just fantastic to be part of it.”
Considering the All Blacks have never played a Test match on the islands, but are quick to naturalise “sons”, it is seen as a decent gesture.
The tournament ignites at Ellis Park in Auckland on September 9th when the Tonga haka will face Ka Mate. Those present at Thomond Park on November 18th, 2008, know how electric such a stand-off can become. A clip, from Tonga versus the Maori in 2008, illustrates how things might develop youtube.com/watch?v=X0W7YdKYPl0
French tactics: Lievremont's mixed thinking on All Blacks
SCOTLAND appeared to strike a blow against the All Blacks’ preparation for the knockout stages of the last World Cup by fielding an under-strength side in their Pool meeting in Murrayfield four years ago. It finished 40-0.
And now France coach Marc Lievremont is considering a similar tactic on the premise they won’t beat New Zealand twice in their backyard.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time,” Lievremont was quoted in Midi Olympique. “But I would be lying if I said today I knew which way we would be approaching this game. Will we be able to take first place (in the Pool), which would offer us a more favourable draw? I don’t know yet if we can beat New Zealand. We will play the match to win it, but I don’t know if it will be a mixed team yet. One thing is for sure, it won’t be the end of the road for us.
“We can’t ignore the fact that having done what’s necessary against Japan and Canada we have a second chance against Tonga (to make the quarter-finals).”
“The greatness of this game is . . . your opinion against my opinion. But the truth is, your team never plays, mine will. You can select any team now, any bar, any church, anywhere, but the one I select will play and I will take the responsibility for that team.”
– Peter de Villiers, again, sticks his tongue out at reporters’ questions
“You don’t buy a car when you need a house.”
– Peter de Villiers (who else?) when asked why Springbok players were given different training programmes, even though they’re expected to meet the same fitness standards. Okay then.
