Rugby15’s Springbok Team for the first Test against France
Springbok Supporter captured on camera by Gerhard Steenkamp
South African Rugby is in a great state of affairs. Two teams hosting Super 14 semi finals, another team which won seven out of their last eight games, a host of brilliant players participating in overseas leagues and a Springbok coach who is willing to pick them. However, great players and good performing domestic teams does not automatically result in a great Springbok team. The Boks will need to gel together under strong leadership, colossal focus and consistent performers if they are to kick on over the next 18 months and win the Rugby World Cup.
The team below is not our Super 14 form Springbok team; it is the team that we would pick to face the French at Newlands on the 12th of June. It must be noted that we are unsure if Peter de Villiers is going to pick overseas based players for the home-tests this winter. We have decided to include three overseas based players in our match squad for the French match only because we do not feel there is an adequate South African based player in those positions.
15. Francois Steyn
Even though Frans has been playing inside centre for Racing Metro in France, he is a remarkable player and will easily be able to adjust to playing fullback again. He is a good kicker, strong in the tackle, reliable under the high ball and is able to spark something on attack. His drop-kicking ability must also not be forgotten.
14. Gerhard van den Heever
After enjoying a great Currie Cup last year, van den Heever has continued his rise to the top with a successful Super 14. His electric pace has made him the leading South African try scorer (8) in the competition and he undoubtedly deserves a spot in our Springbok team.
13. Jacque Fourie
There can be only one person who will wear the number 13 jersey for the Springboks this season. The move to the Stormers has done him and the Stormers the world of good as more ball and a better structured team has allowed Jacque to showcase his talents on a consistent basis. His pace and line breaking abilities from outside centre have been unmatched in the competition and his leadership on defense has been a major factor in the Stormers’ tight defense.
12. Jean de Villiers
Some will feel that Wynand Olivier is unlucky to be left out after a great Super 14 season. However, we feel more comfortable having Jean line up against Yannick Jauzion then Wynand. After a slow start for Munster Jean finished the Magners League and Heineken Cup well and turned out to be an important player in their march to the semi finals of both competitions. He is returning to play in South Africa in the next few weeks which will allow him to be more easily available for the Springboks during the Tri-Nations.
11. Bryan Habana
Bryan has not had his best Super 14 season and has often looked frustrated at the lack of quality ball he has received at the Stormers. However, he has racked up 6 tries and many insiders speak of the immense boost of professionalism and motivation he has given the Stormers squad this year. He is still one of the best wings in the world.
10. Morné Steyn
After an outstanding 2009 season it was always going to be hard for Morné Steyn to reach those heights again. His kicking has not been as accurate as last year but he has still managed to score 219 points this season, including 5 tries. Steyn will surely break Dan Carter’s Super Rugby season record of 221 points this weekend when they face each other in one of the Super 14 semi finals.
9. Fourie du Preez
After being robbed of the 2009 IRB player of the year award, Fourie du Preez has enjoyed another good season for the Bulls. His tactical reading of the game is unrivalled, his passing and kicking are excellent and he is never afraid to put his body on the line. There is a large gap between him and the other scrumhalves in the country.
8. Pierre Spies
He is a freak of an athlete which makes it almost impossible not to pick him. At any given moment he is able to swing a match with a bustling run or a try-saving tackle.
7. Juan Smith
His contribution to any team was visible to all during his absence from the Cheetahs side when they were convincingly beaten by the Waratahs, Crusaders and Brumbies on consecutive weekends. After his return, the Cheetahs team seemed to galvanize around his presence, ability and leadership, and finished the season with a run of four unbeaten games. He is the most under-rated factor in the Springboks’ excellent form over the last few years.
6. Schalk Burger
After an out of sorts 2009 season, Schalk is back to his omnipresent self. His work rate and presence are immense and his tackling powerful. His new found inclination to pass the ball more often and his ability to read the game on attack has improved his and the Stormers game greatly this season.
5. Victor Matfield
Victor Matfield is a lineout genius who strikes fear into opposing teams come lineout time. He has led the Bulls well this year and has never let the Springboks down in any of his 92 matches. His all-round play and leadership ability makes him an asset to the Springboks.
4. Andries Bekker
Without a doubt the form lock of the Super 14 and the most improved South African player over the last year. Andries Bekker has arrived. A mental switch has meant Bekker is spending more time in the rucks and in contact then on the wings. His ball carrying has also been exciting this season. Bekker’s lineout ability is improving by the game and a partnership with Victor Matfield will make any team think twice before kicking the ball out.
3. BJ Botha
His presence in the Springbok pack in the last one and a half games of the end of year tour in 2009 showed his quality and importance to the Springbok side. He will ensure the Boks are going forward at every scrum.
2. John Smit (C)
The last year of rugby has shown the world that John Smit should not be starting at tighthead for the Springboks. However, over the last few weeks John Smit has proved that he is still one of the best hookers in world rugby. His scrumming, ball carrying and line-out throwing are all excellent and, most importantly, his leadership skills are still unmatched in world rugby.
1. Beast Mtawarira
After an unsettling and slow start to the season, the Beast finished well with several massive performances for the Sharks. His powerful runs and solid tackling gave the Sharks good momentum and helped them to finish the season the way they did.
Bench
16. Gary Botha
17. Guthro Steenkamp
18. Danie Rossouw
19. Duane Vermeulen
20. Ruan Pienaar
21. Wynand Oliver
22. Joe Pietersen
Injured/unavailable players
Bakkies Botha
Heinrich Brüssow
JP Pietersen
Bismarck du Plessis
[ Team chosen by Shaun Reznik, Jon Henning and Colleages at Rugby15]
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