Future looks All Black for Boks

'The Sharks might be ecstatic about beating the Cats but it was still a black weekend for South African rugby. Once again serious questions have been raised about the general skill levels of South African players.'

I raise these questions in the spirit of the times.

“At the end of the Sharks' triumph at Ellis Park on Saturday night, several influential former Springboks sat in bewilderment at what they had just endured. One wearily put his head in his hands; another struggled to come to terms with the poor skills of many players, including high-profile Springboks. His private comments were disparaging, offering little confidence in a World Cup year.

“As one seasoned observer admitted last night: "The first half was like watching a battle for the wooden spoon. The second half was a bit better... but not by much."

“In contrast, New Zealand Super 12 teams have shown a distinct lift in pace and commitment this year, raising hopes the All Blacks may get it together in a World Cup year for the first time since 1987.

“Also, their mistake rate is way below that of South African Super 12 teams, as the New Zealanders enjoy the input of extravagant Fijian speedsters such as Auckland's Rupeni Caucaunibuca.

“For Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli, aiming to win back the World Cup, it must have been less than encouraging viewing. Straeuli consistently stresses the importance of high skill levels - essential if players are to successfully attack and defend in difficult situations. That wasn't exactly evident on Saturday night.

“As the blunders continue, there is now the distinct possibility of no South African Super 12 team making the semi-finals. In fact, the tournament may turn into a pseudo National Provincial Championship with New Zealand teams filling the top four spots.

“Straeuli doesn't have to be reminded that standards have to rise - enormously and immediately.”

I hope you spotted the quotation marks encapsulating the previous lines and realised that I did not actually write them; reasoning that the first day of April provided a little licence for mischief.

They were, in fact, penned by Greg Growden, respected rugby correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald and all I did was change the names and teams to provide a South African slant to his pertinent thoughts because they can so easily be applied to our own situation.

Paraphrased Growden’s rap on the knuckles for the Wallabies and Australian players could quite easily be a summation of South Africa’s Super 12 season and I thought it would give food to thought while also giving the lie to all those in local rugby who harp on about the media being too critical.

With an awesome England performance fresh in memory and with October 18, when we play them in Perth, looming ever closer I find myself sharing Growden’s pessimism about the Wallabies when considering the outlook for the Springboks.

Halfway through the Super 12 I had hoped there would be a clearer pattern of the best squad of 22 but we still have a petty long row to hoe. Whereas England, France, Ireland, New Zealand and to a lesser extent Australia have a pretty clear picture of how their squad will look we have more doubts than definites.

In fact, there are alarmingly few players of whom it can be said: he will definitely go to the World Cup. Who will be the props?, who will be the hookers?, what of the loose forward mix?, who are the best scrumhalves?, do we have a flyhalf?, a centre combination?, wings? and a fullback?

Your guess is as good as mine.