Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli will pick his strongest possible line-up for the first rugby Test of the year– against Scotland in Durban on June 7 — after his experiment with inexperienced players on last year’s tour of Europe backfired horribly.
Still stung by the record losses to France, Scotland and England on consecutive weekends last November, Straeuli plans to bring back a number of old hands to bolster his squad ahead of the World Cup in Australia.
”I want to emphasise that I do believe we have the ability to field a very good Test squad and that we can pick a squad capable of being very competitive at the World Cup,” Straeuli told reporters in Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday.
”I have a pretty good idea of what my starting 15 will be for the Scotland Test, but there are a number of things to take into consideration,” said Straeuli.
”Continuity is very important… You can’t experiment on the way to the World Cup, however, any player can force his way in at any point.
”Players, carrying any injury, however slight, will not be considered. I will not risk a player against Scotland if there is any doubt over his fitness,” he added.
When asked whether the announcement that his World Cup captain would be Corne Krige, Bob Skinstad, Joost van der Westhuizen or John Smit, as well as the return of prop Robbie Kempson to South Africa meant they were guaranteed spots in the final 30 man squad, Straeuli refuted the claims.
”All the guys must be on form. There are no certainties. As long as they are playing well and are medically fit then they will play.
”All those guys have shown form,” he added.
”In (a) World Cup year, it is crucial that those we have earmarked as influential players are physically and mentally looked after,” said the former Springbok backrower.
The World Cup captain will be named on May 27 — the same day the 24 man squad to play Scotland is to be announced.
”As some of the candidates are in rehabilitation, it may be that the World Cup captain does not play against Scotland. A captain will then be appointed for the first Test only.”
The coach also confirmed that overseas-based fullbacks Percy Montgomery (50 Test caps) and Thinus Delport (10 Test caps) were also being considered for the Bok squad, but that he ”has contacted all the others” in a bid to ensure the best team is available.
A provisional World Cup squad of 45 will also be announced on May 31.
”In addition to this squad we will also confirm the names of players we still believe capable of challenging for a place in the World Cup squad should they prove their match fitness,” said Straeuli.
Players who will be included in this squad are the likes of Stormers’s centre Jean de Villiers and wing Breyton Paulse.
A number of players have been ruled out of the first Test against Scotland because of injury. These include Faan Rautenbach, Werner Greeff (both are suffering from ankle injuries), Dean Hall (knee), Breyton Paulse (knee), Jean de Villiers (knee and shoulder) and Hendro Scholtz (knee and ankle).
Players whose conditions will be monitored in Cape Town ahead of the first team announcement include: Brent Russell (shoulder), Joe van Niekerk (knee), Bob Skinstad (shoulder), Corne Krige (knee), Robbie Fleck (hamstring), Lawrence Sephaka (ankle), Marius Joubert (shoulder/elbow), Selborne Boome and John Smit (shoulder). – Sapa