The job from hell

Just to set the record straight. I have not applied for the job of Springbok coach and I have no intention to.

In fact it surprises me that anyone would want the job – especially the two main candidates Gert Smal and Rudolf Straeuli.

Why would Smal, for instance, want to expose himself yet again to the vitriolic milieu of which he had first-hand knowledge as Carel du Plessis’ assistant? Surely there must be a residue of resentment at the way he and Du Plessis were booted out before having to go to court to fight for their money – a case which, incidentally, they won and then lost on appeal.

He is a resilient and tough character though the former Western Transvaaler – Gary Knight would attest to that! – and he now has one of the best jobs in rugby as coach of Western Province.

He has won two Currie Cups, he coaches both the Super 12 franchise as well as Western Province and his employers have the financial wherewithal to ensure that he has a powerful squad of players to work with.

On top of this his team plays at Newlands with its wonderful atmosphere and faithful crowd. Why would he want to give it up to expose himself to the pernicious national Press – especially, as the wife of one former Bok coach remarked to me, “they get away with the most uninformed, inaccurate rubbish without being accountable to anyone.”

Then there’s Straeuli. After being an integral part of Kitch Christie’s World Cup-winning squad he managed the end of his playing career sensibly by moving to England before he was pushed and then cut his coaching teeth with Bedford.

Having done a sterling job with a team in financial straits he returned to take over Border, where he impressed with what he achieved with limited resources, before landing the big one in Durban.

Ah, King’s Park. The best environment in the whole of the rugby world, vibrant marketing, loyal supporters and a team that can really turn it on. Why would anyone want to give it up and invite in, well, the dogs of sport?

I wouldn’t. Would you?