Ex Superport
Scarra Ntubeni didn’t know that he wasn’t going to be part of the Springbok challenge at the World Cup a week, or even two weeks, before the squad announcement. He knew six weeks ago.
That was what the Western Province hooker told a press conference when he was asked about his disappointment at not making the 31-man group that will fly out from OR Tambo Airport to London next Friday tasked with making the country proud at the World Cup, which starts for them in Brighton a week later.
There was a perception that Schalk Brits’ outstanding contribution when he played as a replacement in the Buenos Aires win over Argentina that rounded off the onfield aspect of the Bok World Cup build-up is what forced Ntubeni out of the picture. He was favoured by many to be the third hooker behind Bismarck du Plessis and Adriaan Strauss. But it appears that was never the case, and Ntubeni knew where he stood from the outset.
“For me there was no disappointment as I was told five or six weeks ago that I wouldn’t be in the World Cup squad,” said Ntubeni.
“So I’ve known where I stood all along. It wasn’t a case of hearing the names read out last Friday and feeling disappointed.”
Although unwitting, Ntubeni’s acknowledgement that he was put in the picture at the outset by Meyer can be seen as much needed support for the beleaguered Bok coach. It is evidence that whatever else you might like to say about him, Meyer does communicate well with the players and let them know where they stand in his plan.
It would be naïve to think that Meyer is always able to follow the plan that he decides on at the start of a season. In 2013 he was quite open about his intention to alternate Morne Steyn and Pat Lambie in the first two games of the international season. He communicated that intention to Lambie, who was expecting to start the second match against Scotland in Nelspruit.
However, the Boks hit the season running, they thumped Italy at Kings Park, and Steyn was outstanding. Meyer felt he needed to allow Steyn to build further momentum, so there was a change of plan. Lambie ended up sitting on the bench at Mbombela Stadium instead of wearing th No 10.
Generally though players, when they are interviewed, laud Meyer’s communication and whether they are pleased with what he tells them or disappointed, they generally appreciate the honesty. For instance, Oupa Mohoje told us before his starting debut in Cape Town last year that Meyer had let him know at the outset that the Newlands game would be one he would be involved in.
Perhaps the most worrying thing about Meyer, from the viewpoint of the Bok chances of winning this World Cup, is that just recently he’s shown signs of panic and has diverted from his plan when the pressure has come on. The recent Durban defeat to Argentina was a case in point, and those who want to can probably list numerous instances since that dark moment for the Boks four weeks ago where Meyer has been guilty of contradicting himself. (When a coach"loses" a game like that due to bent reffing he needs to do everything he believes he ought to do to win the next match!)
On the positive side of the balance sheet though, the more than five weeks the Boks were together in their Umhlanga Rocks training camp, while risking hotel fatigue, should have left the players better prepared than they have ever been – which is the way it should be at the culmination of the four year cycle building up to the World Cup.
Again, Ntubeni provided evidence of how the extended squad being involved in the training camp may benefit the Boks when judgement day arrives. Like Cobus Reinach at the Sharks, Jan Serfontein at the Bulls and his teammate Steven Kitshoff, Ntubeni is not returning to Currie Cup rugby this weekend with nothing to play for. They’re all on standby for the World Cup and, given how injuries can play havoc with the best laid plans, they all stand a reasonable chance of still being part of the global showpiece tournament at some point.
“I’ve still got lots to play for and the door is not closed. I still get the emails the guys in the squad get and I am kept up to date and informed of what is happening there,” said the WP hooker.
“I was also part of the training camp for most of the way so I am very fit at the moment. The door is not closed, but my focus now is on playing well for Province. It’s good to be in a place where you are wanted, and I can’t be worried about ‘what if’s’ at this point. All I can do is get out there and play as well as I can.”
I met Scurra in Newlands and a fine young man he is. I like bigger more physical hookers but as small hookers go he is not too shabby.
What is clear in all this is Meywr is a good type. I dont agree with a lot he has done (Especially wee matfiled!) but I think he is basically honest with his players, passionate about the Boks and doing the best he knows how. I also dont think this sqaud is as bad as ou maaaikie thinks. My big concern is that he will drastically short sell our tight five and play that pap show pony matfiled.
The Boks cant be counted out but are up against it given what has happened.
Does anybody know who is on standby?
