MICHAEL VLISMAS, Johannesburg | Monday 2.30pm.
SPRINGBOK coach Nick Mallett says he will not be forced by the country’s quota system into selecting players solely on the basis of their colour for the opening test against England on Saturday.
Mallett told a press conference on Monday that merit remains his criteria for selection and that he is not under pressure to include more black players in the side for the Pretoria test.
He said the career of winger Breyton Paulse should be the model upon which the controversial quota system attempted to unearth similar talents.
Paulse, a coloured player from the Cape, scored two tries in the Springboks’ 51-18 victory over Canada at the weekend. It came on the back of a highly successful Super 12 campaign with the Stormers.
”I’m in full agreement with the quota system and believe that if there are similar players like Breyton (Paulse) out there that they should be given a chance,” Mallett said.
”But I believe the way Breyton was groomed is the ideal way to approach the quota issue.
”He was introduced at Currie Cup level and proved successful. He was then given a few Super 12 games before playing a full season of Super 12 rugby.
”He played in the Springboks’ midweek side and now commands a regular place in the test side. He is improving with every single tour.
”I firmly believe Breyton is a first choice selection in the national side in the mind of even the most conservative rugby watcher in this country. They would be crazy to leave him out.”
On the Test itself, Mallett said he rated England and their defensive capabilities very highly.
”Out of all the northern hemisphere opposition, including France, I rate England as the best.
”The way we played against Canada is how I want this team to play. But our biggest test will be to see if we can play the same expansive rugby against an England team that has a very solid defence,” he said. — Reuters