Fourie du Preez will prove he is best in the world

But Jones, who as Bok consultant at the 2007 World Cup and as Suntory boss in 2011 and 2012 coached Du Preez, stressed that the 62-Test veteran is in impressive form.

'Fourie's been outstanding in Japan,' Jones told SARugbymag.co.za. 'Suntory have won 33 from 34 games with Fourie in the team – he's still a top act. In fact, he has received great medical treatment during his time at the club and has returned to the condition he was in at the 2007 World Cup.

'George Smith also had a great 2012-13 campaign for Suntory and he proved to be the best flanker during Super Rugby with the Brumbies. I'm sure Fourie will prove he's still the best halfback during his time with the Boks. Players like George and Fourie don't lose their class.'

Jones also believes Du Preez will also play an important mentoring role for Jano Vermaak and Piet van Zyl, who lack Test experience.

'Vermaak and Van Zyl are two good running scrumhalves in the Springbok squad, but they don't have the tactical game to control the match like Fourie can,' said Jones. 'Fourie has proven to be a great mentor in Japan. He has one of the brightest rugby minds I've come across ... he knows how this game should be played.

'Vermaak and Van Zyl will benefit a great deal during the time they have with Fourie, whose strengths complement the game plan Heyneke Meyer wants the Boks to play.'

So to all Meyer bashers I say suspend judgement on this matter till one can see how Du Preez goes. 

This doesn't necessarily signal a return to the kick-and-chase - I certainly hope not. At this point I am giving Meyer the benefit of the doubt that all his talk about backline play earlier this year and the signs we saw in the June tests were legit. Kick and chase is a legitimate tactic - everyone uses it, but it will be even more effective if there is a balance struck with backline play. FDP has the ability better than any of our scrumhalfs to get that balance right and make that tactical call on the spot. 

Steenkamp's selection is a mystery. Don't really understand that one especially since there is no injury to the incumbents and there are proven performers at loosehead - unlike our scrumhalf position.

I think its a pathetic selection and is a slap in the face to our young 9's, much like Steenkamps selection is to our young looseheads

But this move by Meyer is more about finding the best South African scrumhalf - FDP has to be in that conversation. 

I think the greater tragedy for SA'n rugby is Meyers preference for foreign based players. The message there for young aspiring Sprinboks is to chase the money wherever it's on offer.  There is no incentive for players to stay in the Republic. I expect this will have dire repercussions for SA's super franchises in the very near future as the cream are lured offshore with lucrative offers from wealthy clubs.  It used to be that players would retire to these clubs having invested their most productive years playing at home.  It won't be long before players will be approached and successfully contracted whilst they are at their most marketable, ie.....peak.   

Just out of interest, I know du Preez has his wet knickered fanboys but has anyone bothered to assess his season in Japan? If we assume that Test caps are given to players based on merit or even recent reputation, what has duPreez done to merit his re-selection over the past 12-24months?  Has one of the most crucial roles in any rugby team really been decided on the achievements of 4 years ago?  Madness.