Div kicks Ricky critics into touch
Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:43
Making the right noises? Springbok coach Peter de Villiers
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has strongly defended his selection of scrumhalf Ricky Januarie and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, despite suggestions that they are 'quota' players.
De Villiers, in answering reader's question on the official SA Rugby website, said that the injury-enforced absence of first-choice scrumhalf Fourie du Preez forced him to call on Januarie, because of the latter's experience.
He also praised the Bulls for the manner in which they assisted the injury-prone hooker, Ralepelle, in working his way back to full fitness - saying that he is now in the Bok team on merit.
The Bok coach was asked how it is possible for Januarie and Ralepelle to be playing for the Springboks if they are not even starting for their franchises in the Super 14.
At the Stormers Januarie often played off the bench, rarely getting a stating chance - with coach Allister Coetzee preferring young Dewald Duvenhage ahead of the veteran Bok.
"I do not pick the Super 14 sides, but I certainly believe that these two players have something to offer us and they have shown it in the Test matches to date," De Villiers said.
"Ricky was the man of the match [in the one-off Test] against Wales [in Cardiff].
"I know what I have in Ricky and I know what he is capable of.
"With Fourie du Preez not available you need the experience of a player who has 'been there before' in a Tri-Nations campaign," the Bok coach added.
The Bulls started all but one of their games with World Cup-winner Gary Botha at hooker and former South African age-group star Bandise Maku on the bench. Ralepelle featured in just one match and played for the Vodacom Cup team as part of his rehabilitation from injury.
"Chiliboy is clearly reaping the benefits of his decision to play Vodacom Cup rugby this season, as part of his extended injury recovery and conditioning programme," De Villiers said.
"Well done to the Vodacom Blue Bulls on their role in this."
De Villiers was also asked if it is not possible to "spread the talent" more evenly across the country, with so-called B- players like Ralepelle being used at other unions to give him more game time.
"As national coach I would love to see this, but this is not an ideal world and whilst we have a good working relationship with the Super Rugby franchises and coaches, we have to be mindful that they have their own unique challenges," De Villiers said.
"We are so fortunate to have so many talented players in our country but only 22 places to fill in a Springbok squad!"
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