Discussion on potential WC squad

After completion of 10 of the thirteen test matches to be played in 2018 it is opportune to look at the potential players for the 2019 WC squad,    

I think there are some certainties in the squad – but there are also positions where alternatives needs to be found  to back-up the certainties or to provide alternatives,   There are in fact only six test matches  to  be played between now and the start of the WC and there are  other factors that  could be influenced  by Super Rugby performamces  in 2019.

So lets look at the situation iro players to be considered:-

Full Backs   

The certain selection  is Le Roux, but the back-ups  are problematic.   Willemse – another certainty for selection in the WC squad has never completed a WP or  Stormers  game at full abck and had about 15 minutes game time as a test full back will have to receive more game time at full back.   This could happen in the EOYT and also on Super Rugby level.     

None of the other players showed anything when given  opportunities and the onl\y other player that may come through is Combrinck

Wings

The three players who should e on the flight to Japan are Dynatyi, Mapimpi and Nkosi

I cannot at this stage suggest alternatives,   I like Kolbe – but he cannot match up in defene the bigger wings and other players he will have to defend against in the WC

Centers

There  are in fact only two players that really did well enough in tests  and  on lower levels that could be considered  as relative certainties, namely De Allende and Kriel.

However, the situation is we do not have any top class centers  and the alternatives suggested y four of our members did noit do enough to qualify for future selection and in thatc ateory is included Esterhuizen, Am and Mapoe.

I would think that another bnear to certain selection would be Jan Serfontein  - but hac seen enough of another youngster to think he would sooner rather than later ends up  in contention – namely Simelane of the Lions.   The Lions will have toi give him more game time on Super Rugby level  = otherwise this player could miss out on selection for the 2019 WC

Flyhalfs

Pollard  is a certainty – but I have a problem with his back-up.  I have no trust in Jantjies and I think that Willemse is the future in this position.   I would rather have Combrnck as the full back back-up and  Willemse as the flyhalf back-up

Scrummies

De Klerk is a must – but there are problems in finding two back-up players to back him up.   I would rather prefer to wait and see what happens in the remaining tests and  also the Super Rgby season and even the NH club players  over the next year,

No 8

The obvious choice is Vermeulen  with Whiteley as back-up.   However, there are possible problems with both players.   Both are injury-prone and at 33 I am not sure whether Vermeulen would make it through to the 2019 WC.   The only other potential  candidate is Augustus of the Stomers    By th time the WC squad selection comes along Augustus may be the top dog for selection.

Flanks

Whether  we like it or not – the two certainties for selection are Du Toit and Kolisi.   I do not think the 33 year old Louw  would be selected  - he was rather average to poor in tests this year.  

So where will  the other two loosies will come from?    Mostert was tried out by the Lions – but did not meet requirements  and the experiment as discontinued soon –smo he is not a candidate at all.   I have also a problem with the Du Preez twins – bi\oth have been  given opportunities on test level and both ahs shown some deficiencies,

As to blindsiders  I would look at Brink of the Lions  or Van Dyk of the Stormers

As opensiders  I would look at Kriel and Labuschagne – the latter being the only ball protection and recovery expert we have had for years,

Locks

There are in fact oly two certain selections and those are Etzebeth and De Jager  so the question si as to the abck=up,

I looked carefully at Mostert – a vry hardworking player,  However, I think he is not physical enough as a lock,  He is not beaten in jumping in line-outs – but he cannot set up a driving mauls and  he is rather easily pushed aside buy other more physical locks.   He is a good Super Rugby lock – but he cannot really make a full contribution on physical level in Tight 5 performance.

The only two candidates for that position is really Snyman and Schickerling.   I think the latter  is the more thinking player of the two and potentially the better s election     

Props

The only certains electiuons are Malherbe and  Kitshoff

I have problems with all other contestants ad will hear what the feelings of other members are on this score.

Hookers

Marx is a certainty -  but the only two back-ups  to my mind at resent are Mbonambi and Van der Merwe.   Would think the person worthy of a look at is Marutlelle of the Bulls

Lood is not a test lock. He will set back our game to your era of donkey ball. Our best locks are Eben, Snyman, Steph and Mostert. 

Louw is an obvious selection. He can cover all three positions well. He had a good test yesterday. Kolisis, Du Toit, Whiteley, Duane are not going to be moved, injuries aside. I'd have Jean Du Preez ahead of Notshe. A handy backup. 

Beast was good, merely bettered by Kitshoff. It would be foolish to omit him. We don't have many options at tighthead. After yesterday's game, I'd go Wilco Louw.

I feel more comfortable with Combrinck at fullback than Willemse. Willemse is not ready for test rugby. He will be competing for 10 in a couple of years.

There is a big gap between Faf and everyone else. So much so, I'd rather call up Pienaar than play any of them. Van Zyl looks much, much better Than Papier. Good, reliable boot. Nice and steady. 

Mbonambi and Marx. Noone else.

Damian bombed the entire season. There wasn't one good test. Kriel got better. André is our premier 12. Serfontein is next in line. We are well stocked. André and Serfontein at 12, Am and Kriel at 13. 

De Jager is a top class lock with all the attributes one expect from a good lock and indicate exactly what Mostert problem is - he is like the not lamented Matfield deficient as a lock in Tight 5 play.   I think Du Toit will play at 7 and Mostert will be phased out of the team gradually.    As to the lock situation De Jager is in fact on par with Etzebeth in performance -- so your fairy tales will not help.   Unlike Smyman he is a thinking player as well.   

What Louw is an obvious selection?   You mean Fracois who was average to poor in all tests played,  No better yesterday - he is not a number 8 end of story.   Unlikely to play test rugby in future again.   At 33 he is way past his best anyway and will be going down further in 2019.

Andre bombed in three tests out of 4 this year and showed nothing in the cc games he played in either,   So forget about him  - he is going nowhere fast.  No amount of campaigning by you and your cronies will change that fact.

On what do you base your stupidity about Willemse?  Once you said he is not ready - we must know he is.    Your twisted assessments  must be interpreted for the exact opposite as to what you recommend .

Beast is definitely on the way down - his 33 years is showing badlly and his last few scrums were way below what it should be.

Pienaar????????????????LMAO.

Lood is not a test lock. He will set back our game to your era of donkey ball.

Organhuffer what are you smoking!!!