So Heinrich Brussouw is out of rugby till next year. While it is indeed bad news for Cheetahs and the Springboks, it is important to look at the factors that contributed to his injury rather than the superficial circumstances of it.
I say this having read an article in Wednesday’s Business Day where the prophet of sports science in this country, Professor Tim Noakes, warns about the effects of grinding our top players into the dust through over playing.
In the article Noakes states that while having spoken to Peter de Villiers about player management for the coming season, he is unsure whether or not the advice is implemented in the correct manner. This is especially relevant to the Super 14 coaches, who have a very dodgy record when it comes to resting their Springbok stars.
Noakes mentions Brussouw’s injury as a case in point of a player spending too much time on the field, with Brussouw having played almost every game he could for Free State, the Cheetahs and the Springboks last year. Morne Steyn actually played the most rugby last year, but Brussouw wasn’t far behind.
The injury also comes in the wake of what is frankly a ludicrous decision by the South African Rugby Union to organise a fixture against Wales, in Wales, at the start of June. Saru said that they felt privileged to be invited by the Welsh who are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Millennium Stadium (coincidentally the scene of their only victory over the Springboks.
Am I missing something here? Saru have even acknowledged that the fixture isn’t in South Africa’s best interest, but they still went ahead with it anyway. Any reason they present to validate their decision is bullshit frankly. They saw the money and grabbed it with both hands.
That means that a week after the Super 14 final, where there is a high chance that the Bulls and maybe the Stormers will be involved, a group of players will have to fly to Wales. While it has been stated in the press that a majority of overseas players will be used, a couple of individuals that form the core of the Springbok side will most likely make the journey.
It is utter madness, and I wonder what the players really think of such a selfish decision? The Welsh obviously are grateful, but in all fairness while the two countries maintain a good relationship on and off the field, the decision to accept their invitation smacks of greed.
If Saru aren’t careful, such thinking will lead to a 2011 World Cup where players such as Bryan Habana, Fourie du Preez and Morne Styen will be injured thanks to be being overplayed.
Jake White nearly lost his position before the 2007 World Cup because he had the common sense to realise that the human body can only take so much and rested his players during the end of year tour.
If Saru aren’t careful, the 2011 title defence, which is a realistic goal considering the player wealth we have in this country (except at flyhalf, and no, Ruan Pienaar doesn’t count. He’s a scrummie), will go up in smoke through a haze of rehabilitation programmes and tired players. If that happens, many will be saying I told you so.
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