De Villiers to 'beef up' his Boks
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:29
Remember me: Schalk Burger tells the coach that he's available
South African coach Peter de Villiers will be making some critical adjustments to his team when he names the side to face New Zealand in the opening round of the Tri-Nations series, in Wellington on Saturday.
Even though De Villiers has retained the core of the side that played and won against England in the World Cup Final in October, there has been a significant introduction of new faces in the Springbok starting XV during the June internationals - against Wales and Italy.
Players like Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Bolla Conradie, Pierre Spies, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati, Tendai Mtawarira, Schalk Brits and Joe van Niekerk all featured in the three wins last month.
However, De Villiers could fall back on some of the World Cup stalwarts for experience against the All Blacks in what will be significant step up from the half-baked 'internationals' against the Northern Hemisphere visitors.
And the most notable of changes could be at loose forward, where De Villiers is faced with straight choice between Luke Watson and Schalk Burger as the Boks' openside flank.
The Bok coach made it clear that they are being considered only as openside flanks and he is not contemplating a shift to No.8 for either.
"We have three eighthmen here," De Villiers told the media at the team's base in Wellington, adding: "It would be poor selecting to choose a fourth to play."
Burger, one of the 2007 World Cup stars, returned to action only recently after recovering from a knee injury. He made his comeback with a 20-minute cameo off the bench against Italy a fortnight ago.
Only a fool would pick Watson, who did not convince in any of his three starts in June, ahead of the known qualities of Burger - who not only brings a physical presence to the game, but has a much higher workrate.
The other change could be at No.8, where Pierre Spies is set for a return to the starting XV after being rested against Italy. Joe van Niekerk and Ryan Kankowski, who has made a full recovery from the head knock he took against the Azzurri, are De Villiers' other options at the back of the scrum.
The locks pick themselves - Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.
Hooker and captain John Smit, who will join up with his teammates at training on Tuesday after completing his commitments with French club Clermont, will add his considerable bulk and experience to the middle of the front row.
What De Villiers does with his props will be interesting.
Having used Zimbabwean imports Brian Mujati and Tendai Mtawarira in June, he could revert back to the experience of World Cup props Gürthro Steenkamp and CJ van der Linde.
That will considerably bulk up the Springbok pack and ensure the Boks are adequately equipped for the bruising battle that awaits at the Westpac Stadium.
The big backline question is whether De Villiers will start with veteran Percy Montgomery at fullback or opt for the pace of Conrad Jantjes, who started in all three June Tests.
With Jaque Fourie still injured, Adrian Jacobs could be set for an extended run as Jean de Villiers's midfield partner. However, De Villiers has the option of Francois Steyn at inside centre and De Villiers in the No.13 jersey - ensuring that Jacobs's defensive frailties are not exposed by the All Blacks.
JP Pietersen could return on the right wing in place of Odwa Ndungane, giving the Boks more World Cup experience.
Butch James and Ricky Januarie could resume their halfback combination.
