This season could be the most important in the history of rugby union. We are entering a 12-month period that will define the game’s future, change the view we had of it looking back, and put down the foundations for global domination that will see rugby challenge the biggest spectator sports.
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How does a team that came of such a high in 2009 hit such a low in 2010, more importantly, can it be fixed? [Read More] John Smit was answering fan questions in the Springbok E-zine and was asked how long he still feels he can play at this level. Despite consistent criticism throughout this year’s Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign, and a mediocre showing in his 100th Test match, where his fitness and form was consistently questioned, Smit still believes he can soldier on until the World Cup. The captain was visibly irritated last week by questions about him retiring and a rumour that went around that he would call it a day after the 100th cap. After missing the tackle that cost the Boks the game against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, he has returned this week more determined than ever to make up for his mistake. At the end of this year’s Tri-Nations the Springbok management will have to stand objectively and clinically look at the difference between blind loyalty and blind faith as opposed to reward in selecting the best Bokke to lead them into next year’s Rugby World Cup. This is not their only poser, they have to decide whether Assistant Staff has the ability and afinity to take it competently from here as well as how to adapt or fine-tune game plans for the World Cup. Today I look at player selection only, the game plan strategies and coaching staff will have to wait for another time. After 4 Springbok losses in a row in a Tournament, the Tri-Nations, which lies very close to the hearts of South Africans and with the Rugby World Cup now exactly a year from now, the temptation is there to insist on taking the knives out and to cut some dead wood from the Springbok team and management. … but we’ve been there before, remembering so well how we, me included, shouted from the rooftops that Jake White needed the axe. With the Springbok Tri-Nations hopes over, how should they approach their remaining three home fixtures? Survey Results now added You might ask what do the Springboks and Stuart Tinner have in common on the 17th November 2009? If your answer is £250,000 you would be right. It is not often that I listen to Freestaters but this one made quite an interesting point. [Read More] Is success in rugby defined by an individual or by a collective team effort? [Read More] |
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