Rose not ready to bloom as a Bok
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:42
Lions coach Eugene Eloff, who has implored the national selectors to pick a young team on Currie Cup form for the year-end tour to the United Kingdom, has 'ruled out' one of his own stars as a possible Springbok.
Eloff said players like prop Heinke van der Merwe, hooker Willie Wepener, loose forward Cobus Grobbelaar, fullback Louis Ludik and scrumhalf Jano Vermaak all deserve a call-up to the Green and Gold club.
However, one Lions Eloff feels may need a bit more "experience" before being blooded at senior international level is flyhalf Earl Rose.
Eloff says the pivot needed more time before he could make the step up to the Springbok
side.
"We saw what happened to Chiliboy [Ralepelle]," said Eloff. "He was the best hooker in the world [in his age-group], but he's talent had to be nurtured.
"Earl needs to play one or two more seasons. It's all about timing in his case and he should not be pushed too hard, too soon."
Eloff also suggested that "Currie Cup form" should be the yardstick when Peter de Villiers names his team for the year-end tour to Wales, Scotland and England in November.
The team will be announced after the Currie Cup Final on Saturday, October 25.
"The one thing I would like see happening with the Springboks' end-of-the year tour is the selectors reward players for performing in the Currie Cup," said Eloff.
"We know who the star players are and who will play in next year's Tri-Nations, so give the senior players a break, especially those who have played in all the matches [this year].
"Let's pick some young blood. This country is full of young talent and there are many young players putting their hands up."
