The average age of our team that played England was exactly 30 years. Bongi, Wilco, Eben, Kolisi, Dud Toit, Dud Allende, Kriel, Kolbe, Koch, Pollard, Marx, Kwagga, Reinach were all 30 years or older. Which means that key group of players could average close to 34 by the WC.
It’s not inconceivable that we might have to replace 10 of our established starting team. That surely would be a record number of new players. Retaining them is increasingly facing two challenges….form and injury, or both.
Which raises the question whether this is a year to go for best results, or a year to build some depth in the squad. Generally I believe in playing to win and we are probably better off doing that despite these challenges. But the pressure is on to take some risks in less challenging matches.less challenging matches