TUESDAY, 11.00AM:
SPRINGBOK coach Nick Mallett said he prefers a self imposed discipline from the players he selected for Springbok’s next month Tour of Europe and the United Kingdom.
“I want the players to take reponsibility for themselves. A lot of what we are doing today [Monday], is what they believe is the reponsible behaviour of a professional rugby player,” he said.
Speaking after their workshop in Sandton Hotel, Mallett said, the player’s input on all relevant aspects will also be appreciated. “We have a good blend of experience and youngsters and this mix will provide useful input for myself and the rest of the management team,” he added.
Mallett said he has not named the squad for the first match against Italy but has a good idea of a starting linup he wants. “Once the first Test team is named, that natural separation tends to happen. But if it is handled okay then there is no problem,” said Mallett.
He said he was also impressed by the committment and determination shown by the players only a day after assembly.
SPORT BRIEFS
AMANDA NUMBER FOUR SOUTH AFRICA’S Amanda Coetzer is ranked No 4 in the world according to the latest WTA TOUR rankings released on Monday – after Swiss Martina Hingis NO 1, Czech Jana Navotna NO 2 and Monica Seles of the US No 3. This comes after her latest victory in the Luxembourg at the weekend.
TERREBLANCHE THIRDSOUTH AFRICA’S golfer Des Terblanche has moved from 12th place to third place in the Asian PGA Omega Tour Order of Merit in Hong Kong following his second place finish in last week’s Dubai Creek Open.
NO GAUTENG CHANGESTHE Gauteng cricket selectors have named an unchanged squad for the Standard Bank limited overs clash against Western Province at the Wanderers on Friday.
GAUTENG SQUAD: Richard Snell, Sven Koenig, Ken Rutherford (captain), Neil Mckenzie, Derek Crookes, Dean Laing, Stefan Jacobs, Nick Pothas, Clive Eksteen, Ross Veentra, David Terbrugge, Trevor Webster (12th man).
WESTERN PROVINCE: HD Ackerman, John Commins, Faiek Davids, Allan Dawson, Lloyd Ferreira, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Kirsten, Craig Mathews (captain), Dean Payne, Bradley Player, Dave Rundle, Eric Simons.