Ok Chip, here goes
I like Kolbe, but would only consider him as a wing. He is too small for fullback and would be exposed there physically at test level. Great little player though and I'd be happy with him in the squad as a wing.
Taute proved his class long time ago and that well taken try confirmed that.
Kobus v/Wyk is the real deal, mark my word......he is being wasted on the wing by WP as he is a centre, but has the x factor......I want to see him at 13.
Sithole has been in good form this year, brings pace and physicality to the game and can cover wing and 13.
Habana, been there done it. He has not shone this year much like Jean has not.....time to move on and have a look at something new. He remains in the picture though, had a good game for club on the weekend.
Combrink has impressed me of late, but does not look test material......looks like a good S15 standard player.
JJ is still the best 13 I have seen for some time at test level. There has not been a better performance by a Bok 13 in years, as was his display with ball in hand against NZ. Meyer did him a massive disservice dropping him as he did. He suffered under the Bulls this year but to his credit seemed to have rediscovered his mojo in his last two CC outings for the Bulls
de Jongh - never, not nearly physical enough for a test centre and is often exposed physically at S15 or CC level. A nice little player in space but test rugby is not about space. de Jongh would never smell my squad for the simple reason you don't see 87kg outside centres playing test rugby for a good reason.
Esterhuizen is a real talent that needs refining, his strength is second to none and we need him operating in the SBW way. He would not play in the tests given the numbers, but I'd take him on board with a view to the very near future.
Mnisi too slow, what utter nonsense......you base that on what exactly? He is no slower than the likes of Jean or Frans for instance and besides, 12 in not about raw pace.....its about guile and finesse......something Mnisi has displayed plenty of.
Catrakillis over Goosen is insulting......I'll leave it at that
v/Zyl is a class act but struggled with game time and injury this year. We have depth at 9, look at the likes of Groom and not to forget the very impressive Faf de Klerk, sadly injured at the moment.
Akers looks a good bet, would be happy with him on board as I would Scara
Yeah the 3ions props have been good and worthy of consideration, especially v/d Merwe. But my guess its more down to a collective scrum than individuals and they have been helped by the fact that most of the current first line props in SA are out injured or not playing because of Bok duty.
I like Minnie, but doubt he would make an impression as a 7 at test level. Britz, you have to be kidding.
Jacques du Plessis is the real deal, his physicality is unrivalled amongst the SA 7's.....he makes yards on every charge and is the perfect replacement for Alberts. I like Rhodes, E. Oosthuizen and Elstadt as 7's as well.
Mtembu is a real talent, he brings real skill to the loosie role, I am a huge fan. I like Whitely but I prefer Mtembu.
Elstadt is not a lock, we have locks to burn so certainly do not need him at lock. I'd be more than happy with him in the squad. He is the one player that keeps getting overlooked by Meyer, has not even made an extended training squad under Meyer - pathetic really.
CJ Stander is a class act, set the world alight last week at 8 for his club......MOM stuff.
So in conclusion I could entertain some of your options but not Combrink, de Jongh, Cat, Minnie, Britz or Elstadt at lock
