RUGBY: Jon Swift
IT would be well for all concerned to take careful note of the cryptic comment made by national rugby coach Kitch Christie at the end of the tour of Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
“We have the basis of the players for the World Cup,” was the way the quietly-spoken Christie laid it on the line, ” but there are still some positions up for grabs.”
In naming a 48-strong preliminary squad — 22 backs and 26 forwards — for next year’s extravaganza on home turf, Christie has spelt out just where those spots are.
It is no secret that the kicking at top level has let the South Africans down and that Christie is not yet fully satisfied that the number 10 jersey is being filled the way he would like it.
It could be argued that the service from the base of the scrum has caused some of these problems. Thus sidelined has been UK tourist Kevin Putt in favour of 21-year-old RAU student Bennie Nortje, perhaps the biggest surprise package in Christie’s Christmas stocking.
Joost van der Westhuizen’s matchwinning talents on the run cannot be questioned. But some doubts still remain about his handling on attack, his service to his halfback partner and his overall tactical kicking.
One senses that, with the return from injury of Johan Roux, the man who ousted Van der Westhuizen in the first place, that Christie is both building for the future in this vital department of the game and giving his top choices a subtle message.
This is equally true of the number of flyhalves — five of them — Christie has named. Back in come the cerebral quaities of Natal’s Henry Honiball, the massive boot and inside swerve of former Free Stater Jannie de Beer and the huge kicking talents of Eric Herbert, who moved from Welkom to Bloemfontein and took over so adeptly following De Beer’s injury.
These three fight it out with Hennie le Roux and his deputy on tour — but preferred in South Africa prior to the trip — Joel Stransky. It is a fight for possession which promises more than one turn.
It would be prsumptious to read too much into the selection at this early stage, but the rugby make-up of the five named would tend to suggest that the kickers have the edge given the coach’s priorities: keeping the ball ahead of the forwards and landing the crucial points that have lately gone a’begging.
Be that asi it may, it is heartening to see the return of James Small from his disciplinary limbo among the backs. Small is still arguably the most explosive and talented player this country has. Like his wingmate chester Williams, he is as good on defence as he is on attack and likewise shares an almos unstoppable determination close to the line. this pairing is one any coach can only dream of.
Among the forwards, Christie’s deliberations on available berths for World Cup `95 centre on mobility and ball- handling attributes as much as pure firepower.
The hugely talented Naka Drotske — a man who looked to have all the hallmarks of a world class player before his injury against the French — is back to challenge incumbents Uli Schmidt and HJames Dalton for the hooking berth.
Back too is lock Hannes Strydom, forced out of serious contention for the national side of late through injury. With young Krynauw Otto, Strydom could well be the man to give some depth and consolidation to an area which has remained a trouble spot in developing a game plan.
Is is equally of interest to see Christie’s thinking in his selection of flank forwards. With the pace and commitment of Ruben kruger providing a superb foil to Francois Pienaar during the UK trip, Christie has brought the ball skills and overall thinking ability of Andrew Aitkin into contention.
In all, some interesting times lie ahead before the World Cup officially kicks off next May