Bok strategy for 2011 RWC World Cup Centre

The Rugby World Cup bug is starting to bite. Yes it’s a year away, but already the “gees” is starting to brew deep down in the soul.

The Springboks have not had the greatest of seasons this year, so far at least, but we’ll always be a top 3 rugby nation so I’ll remain optimistic that by this time next year, our rugby woes will be a thing of the past and that we’ll be back to our winning best, ready to challenge the world and defend our Rugby World Champions’ status.

I’d like to propose something to SA Rugby, and our coach Peter De Villiers. In 2006, the Boks’ season was a disaster. But a year later, the Bulls and Sharks played in the Super14 final (sorry Sharks supporters for reminding you about that day), and Jake White, thinking ahead to the Rugby World Cup, rested key players during the subsequent Tri-Nations series. In short, the plan worked beautifully. The Springboks were fresh, exuberant and clinical as they smashed their way through the RWC tournament and were finally crowned World Champions.

We need a similar approach during the early part of next year’s season.

We should play all our players to get them contact fit and match ready through the 2011 Super15. Our mid-year tests should allow all of our thirty chosen players to get some game time, proving old and new combinations.

For the Tri-Nations however, I’d like to suggest that we play our best fifteen, only twice, those occasions being our opening two games against Australia (in Australia on the 23rd July), and New Zealand (in New Zealand on the 30th July).

I propose this for three reasons. Firstly, the 2011 RWC is being played on foreign soil, so we need the momentum of winning away from home with our best team. Secondly, our best fifteen need to be a settled outfit, with all combinations working. Lastly, injuries and possible match bans for offences committed during the Tri-Nations would seriously hurt our chances that close to the RWC tournament.

Let’s give our best fifteen a month’s rest, and enough weeks for any match bans to be exhausted. Also, our “B-team” would be given additional game time and another chance to show their mettle, as they compete for any remaining positions in the Bok squad.

On a final note, I’d like to wish the Springboks all the best for tomorrow’s huge clash at FNB Soccer City (just sounds better than FNB stadium). With almost 90 000 people, the game is going to be massive. I’ll be there with the rest of the screaming hordes, experiencing what’s likely to be an emotional and historic clash between the powerhouses of world rugby.

GO BOKS!

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