Boks don't know if they'll be rested
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:13
In need of a break? John Smit and Gurthrö Steenkamp. (c) Gallo
The Springbok management have not yet decided about the resting of players on the year-end tour and are likely to discuss the issue within the next fortnight.
"The fact that it is a Grand Slam tour makes it more difficult," said Springbok captain John Smit on Friday.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Mandela Plate decider against Australia in Bloemfontein on Saturday, Smit admitted that leaving "three players or so" at home would not necessarily weaken the side.
They will face Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England and the Barbarians on a tour which does not come about too often.
The last Bok attempt to win a Grand Slam on tour was in 2004 under Jake White - when SA ended up losing to England and Ireland, but beating Wales and Scotland.
There is hope that Smit, his vice-captain Victor Matfield and out of form wing Bryan Habana will get a break... but time will tell if that actually happens.
It has also been hinted that flyhalf Morné Steyn and prop Gurthrö Steenkamp could do with a rest, after a full Super 14 season which led to the Bulls' second successive title in this competition and then the 10 Tests - including four before the Tri-Nations and six Tri-Nations Tests.
The Springboks will be allowed a four-week break after Saturday's Test where fitness will remain a priority.
They will not be in a national training camp but will do their reconditioning with their different unions.
The Boks will, however, not be allowed to take part in the Currie Cup competition except for the last round and the play-offs.
All the Boks are expected to be released for those three weeks from October 9 (last round), October 16 (semifinals) and October 30 (Final).
A number of the final round matches could well determine the semifinalists.
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