Generational change as Boks wait for June

Generational change is a gradual process lasting years, if not decades. The topic of gay marriage in the United States for example, was not supported by the majority of the population 16 years ago (60% vs 33%) but now just tips the scales in the column of favoured (54% vs 42%). The caveat here is that figure represents independents, not Republicans or Democrats. That means the political centre, the land of myth, constantly shifts.

The same happens on the rugby field as tactics, nutrition and preparation have evolved into the current state of play in the year 2012. Players are stronger and weigh more then they did when the professional dawn gripped the sport following the 1995 World Cup in South Africa (and, if you believe David Campese, less skillful).

The Springboks have become arguably one of the most valuable brands in South African sport. Alongside Bafana Bafana (if only the team’s management and broader administration could match the passion of the fans), the Springboks certainly dye the colour of fans’ moods. Proteas fans know all about it, and for those of us all support all three, emotion is another word for ‘rainbow of experience’ since South Africa takes itself rather seriously at sport.

The Springboks have a three-Test series looming against England (coincidently their cricketing counterparts will be doing the same against the Three Lions in England itself), squeezed in between the bone-crushing grindstone that is the Super rugby season.

With a new coach in Heyneke Meyer, there is some rose-tinted optimism floating about considering the bitterness with which many associated with the Peter de Villiers era. Meyer has hosted camps with all the Super rugby teams, and some, to assess his options for a series which represents the first proper tour since New Zealand came to these shores in 1996. The question is, who will feature in the team he names to face the Roses?

Here is a quick guess. Readers are welcome to have a flog at their starting XV and bench:

15. Patrick Lambie, 14. Lwazi Mvovo, 13. Juan de Jongh, 12. Frans Steyn, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Joshua Strauss , 7. Marcell Coetzee, 6. Heinrich Brussouw, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira.

Lambie has been in fine form with the Sharks but with Steyn looking better and better as the weeks go by, the Sharks flyhalf can still contribute from fullback, a position that might not be his favourite but one he certainly looks suited to. Mvovo is switched from his preferred wing because his form has simply been outstanding, outshining Bok counterpart JP Pietersen. De Jongh is Jaque Fourie’s successor while Francois Steyn has been playing at 12 for French club Racing Metro (and admittedly his selection is based on his exploits in the World Cup last year). His competition is Jean de Villiers, who could easily be the man Heyneke Meyer sees as captaining the side. Francois Hougaard is an automatic selection at scrumhalf but it is the loose trio where injuries have taken their toll.

On the captaincy, if it is De Villiers, Steyn will have to make way and sit on the deck. Out the team chosen above, there are not any natural choices given the circumstances.

Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, and Duane Vermuelen are all injured, leaving competition for places alive and well in the loose. Brussouw has no challengers for the No. 6 jersey and it’s at 7 and 8 where the gaps lie, with both Coetzee and Strauss having excellent seasons (especially for the Lions skipper as his team does not help his cause). Pierre Spies is the notable admission, but he will probably be chosen by Meyer. However, the large man from Pretoria has even in a Bulls outfit playing some excellent rugby (most of the time) been average compared to his reputation.

Bekker is Victor Matfield’s natural successor while Etzebeth has impressed with his physicality. His young age also means if managed correctly, he could become a mainstay in the Springbok team for years. The all-Sharks front row is the most experienced South Africa has to offer at the moment, with Bismarck du Plessis finally earning his chance to have a run at hooker on a consistent basis.

The bench would be a 3-4 split, and as follows: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Jean de Villiers, Pierre Spies, Keegan Daniel, Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen.

Aplon covers fullback and wing while Basson, if only specialist wing cover, deserves his place. De Villiers, as stated, could easily be in the starting team and a flyhalf option isn’t required with Lambie and Steyn being on the field. Spies gets the nod due to lack of competition while Daniel brings his energy as a potential replacement. Strauss is unlucky to have Du Plessis ahead of him while Oosthuizen offers surprising speed and, while raw, can play both sides of the scrum. If another prop had to be chosen, the Stormers’ outstanding prospect Steven Kitshoff would crack the nod.

A prediction for the series? 3-0 to South Africa, especially with Meyer making the right noises about winning every game.

On a different note, the TMO is expected to get more powers beyond what they already have. The move makes sense, with trials to begin in the northern hemisphere later this year and in the southern hemisphere next year. Anything that helps make referees’ jobs easier should be supported. It’s also interesting that there is now a time limit on the amount of time a ball can spend at the back of a ruck. Written to stop all that time wasting near the end of games perhaps?