Rugby Championship 2018 Preview: South Africa

Ahead of the 2018 Rugby Championship, we preview the teams looking to get their hands on the coveted silverware. Next up, it is South Africa.

After declining form towards the end of the Heyneke Meyer era and two barren years under Allister Coetzee, Rassie Erasmus will lead the new-look Springboks into the Rugby Championship buoyed by a wave of optimism in the country.

Erasmus’ appointment as coach was met with mixed reactions. While the former Munster director of rugby is well-respected in South Africa, supporters of Coetzee were unhappy with the manner in which he was dismissed. However, after a 2-1 series win over England under the captaincy of Siya Kolisi – the first black player ever to lead the Springboks – Erasmus has momentarily silenced the critics.

Last year: It’s easy to forget that the Springboks headed into last year’s Rugby Championship riding a wave of optimism similar to the one created by Erasmus. Having seen off France 3-0 in the 2017 mid-year Test series, they further excited supporters with back-to-back wins over Argentina and a creditable away draw against Australia.

Coetzee stoked up tensions ahead of South Africa’s clash with New Zealand at North Harbour Stadium by suggesting that the All Blacks were “vulnerable”. However, his side capitulated in calamitous fashion in Auckland, crashing to a 57-0 loss. Another draw with the Wallabies followed before the tournament ended in a far more valiant defeat to New Zealand on home soil, leaving the Springboks third on the end-of-tournament table.

This year: Erasmus, who was South Africa’s director of rugby at this time last year, will be in charge of their bid for a first Rugby Championship title since 2009.

2018 began with chaos for the Springboks as Coetzee – the second person of colour in history to coach the side – revealed his frustration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for offering him what he alleged was a “ceremonial” role under Erasmus should he refuse to give up the coaching reins.

This revelation did not go down well with transformation activists, but at least Erasmus’ team selection has left them satisfied for the time being. As well as appointing South Africa’s first ever black captain, the former Cheetahs and Stormers coach can also claim credit for handing test debuts to several promising players of colour – chief among them S’busiso Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi.

Erasmus’ tenure started off with a 22-20 loss to Wales, and the Springboks looked set for more heartbreak when they fell 24-3 down in the early stages of their first Test against England. However, they showed world-class resilience to bounce back and claim a 42-39 victory, followed up by another comeback win in Bloemfontein (23-12). Although they lost the third match 25-10, South Africa will be tremendously pleased with their start to the year.

The Springboks still head into the tournament as underdogs in comparison to the All Blacks and the Wallabies, but should be seen as a dark horse with renewed spirit and the potential to beat anyone on their day.

Ones to watch: All eyes will be on Siya Kolisi as he looks to lead South Africa to an historic tournament victory.

Elsewhere, Handré Pollard and Elton Jantjies are locked in perennial battle for the number 10 jersey, which is the subject of heated debate in South Africa, with Robert du Preez also an option for Erasmus. Meanwhile, S’busiso Nkosi will be looking to continue his dream start to life in a Springbok jersey.

Prediction: They probably aren’t quite good enough to go all the way just yet, but South Africa certainly boast the quality to stand up to the best in the world. There are few more unpredictable teams in world rugby, but their grit against England suggested that the old Springbok determination has returned – albeit with a new face leading the charge. Second.

Fixtures:

Saturday, 18 August: vs Argentina (home)

Saturday, 25 August: vs Argentina (away)

Saturday, 8 September, vs Australia (away)

Saturday, 15 September, vs New Zealand (away)

Saturday, 29 September, vs Australia (home)

Saturday, 6 October, vs New Zealand (home)

by Planet Rugby.com

I agree, Serfontein is a no-brainer. Combrinck is smarter, but too slow, but Mvovo is a calamity with speed. We don't seem to have the right guy for too many positions. 

Still not at all sure if Rassie will be able to fit his choices into a world winning squad...we sit on the edge of this tournament...to me it seems a very compromised side and compromised sides do not win major competitions...all first division players even lesser ones have their moments and can perform at the right times under favourable conditions but I certainly do'nt see this side as a formidable one...even the Pumas will rate themselves with a more t han even chance of taking them...with the AB's it's more of a joke and Australia will be odds on.

Any coach finding favour in the utterly useless Ross Cronje says enough for me.

Orie is an insult of a lock, Jenkins, Ruan Botha, Erasmus and JD are all far better.

The exclusion of Kwagga is insulting along with a host of other players.

Amen Saffex but I don't agree on Whitely...he will be good on the right game plan.

Still not at all sure if Rassie will be able to fit his choices into a world winning squad...we sit on the edge of this tournament...to me it seems a very compromised side and compromised sides do not win major competitions...all first division players even lesser ones have their moments and can perform at the right times under favourable conditions but I certainly do'nt see this side as a formidable one...even the Pumas will rate themselves with a more than even chance of taking them...with the AB's it's more of a joke and Australia will be odds on.

Any coach finding favour in the utterly useless Ross Cronje says enough for me.

Orie is an insult of a lock, Jenkins, Ruan Botha, Erasmus and JD are all far better.

The exclusion of Kwagga is insulting along with a host of other players.

Amen Saffex but I don't agree on Whitely...he will be good on the right game plan.

Mvovo is a calamity under the high ball as well. If he takes the field, just bomb him all day long and sometime or another you'll get a free try.

Mvovo frustrates me tremendously, he has the body of a world class wing. Perfect for Bok rugby. His brain is an entirely different prospect. He is of that group of players who never get better. This is his 8th season as a Bok. It doesn't show. You can do almost anything with him, and you'll get something. 

Amen Dave. 

About time someone stands up and reject this transformation kak hard and loudly. Merit should be the only yardstick like it is in all the other countries the Boks have to play against.

Not much fun to play with a disadvantage from the start.

Equality of output, not equality of opportunity. That's then social justice flaw. They label the end result as the opportunity and the road it takes to get their and injustice. Bypass the work and get the prize. Highly flawed. It always reaps failure.

Another failed RC will heap even more pressure on their political agenda. However, it won't even end there. South Africa is not like New Zealand, it doesn't learn and has no self-respect. 

Dave you are 100% correct/   There are weaknesses in the squad - but I think those are mostly on account of political pressure - which has no role in rugby or at best are destructive.   

Where I disagree with you is on Kwagga - wh\o is physically too small to be a test forward.   He struggle in matches because of it.   I also have to agree with you iro Whiteley.  I watched him carefully in matches - but he tends to "disappear" when up against strong opposition.   Otherwise a very good player.   I do not think he should be in the starting line-up in the forthcoming tests.

Serfontein is at present injured and will not be available before the EOYT.   Another player that bothers me is Etzebeth.   He had no game since November last year and we have all seen what happened to players with such long absences from games - they take time to rediscover their form and sometimes never do.   

You will find that some members on site are so prejudiced that they want the woong players in the squad, just becase of their per hates against other players.   One of those prefer Mapoe and M at center to De Allende - so careful what you say about those two.   In my book they have serious deficiencies - yet they are written up by some.   

Equality of output, not equality of opportunity. That's then social justice flaw. They label the end result as the opportunity and the road it takes to get their and injustice. Bypass the work and get the prize. Highly flawed. It always reaps failure.

Rugby must exist on terms of merit in SA. It must bring something to SA, not take away.

At the moment, SA rugby is kept alive for who knows what reason. It does not go on merit.

SA rugby has no merit. A proper government would not have introduced rugby in a country the majority cant play. A proper government would not try to force the continuation of rugby through easy to see through tales like the quota policy tale.

Terminate rugby in SA. It has no merit.

I see the STUPID is hurting again...broken record.

Trad, you won't recognise merit if it hit you in the face.

The majority cannot attain higher representation because they are physically inferior athletes for rugby. Plain and simple. Black South Africans can't even compete with physical athletes in football, hence why they get physically beaten up and kept out of the world cup. We can increase their numbers tenfold, add in the entire population of China ad India, and the Afrikaaner will still come out on top. It eats you up inside. I know it makes you so bitter that it plagues your thoughts all day and night. That makes me happy. Ende. 

LOL Draad, you just can't help yourself

Ja Pakie...like you and Maaik?(Actually, I think my resentment runs a lot deeper.)

I actually typed out a 6 point refute of T's post, but then managed to delete the thing by accident. Couldn't be bothered to do it again.

Ja pretty much. I think that was good accident!

Agreed, Kwagga is a good option. Though he isn't a power back. Louw though...

It eats you up inside. I know it makes you so bitter that it plagues your thoughts all day and night. That makes me happy. Ende.

Absolutely. An argument that works strongly toward the termination of SA rugby is sure to make bitter and eats  up inside anyone who understands that the termination of SA rugby is unavoidable.

I actually typed out a 6 point refute of T's post, but then managed to delete the thing by accident.

Sure, sure.

Here are other 6 point posts that were deleted by accident.

Six steps toward training SA quota players in half decent players (they could even claim a position in the kenyan side!)

Six hints to get SA rugby to understand how to initiate back line play

How to make a rugby that never was great great again: the SA case, in six points.

Saving SA rugby from bankrupcy, panhandling to the NH rugbys, six suggestions

Tale after tale after tale. SA people on this board could not even tell one single reason why SA rugby should endure. In the meantime, so obvious to list causes to end SA rugby.

Niet, Trad. Rugby can stay, it can go. Either way, you cannot ever be validated. Your mediocrity is for life. It eats you up. You are so embittered that as a moth to a flame you gravitate to us. You have no power, no influence. You are too insignificant to actualize your aberrant thoughts. I hope you never stop posting, it's actually a nice reminder of the intellectual, emotional and physical futility of the tools these Globalists uses. It's hilarious. I hope the forum owner gives you your own section. The more the better, so fire away. Ende. 

Coming into the line, his lack of pace would not be as much of a liability. Angles of running would help him be effective, perhaps in that Kirchner style role. However, like Kirchner, Combrinck is not going to be like a second 10, something that only Willie can offer. Something which helps extend our range past the half backs and bring our wings into the game, because our centres are not going to be that presence. If Willie is not playing well? That makes it easier. I do prefer Kriel at fullback though. 

Another Kirchner admirer?  Are you nuts or something BSter - you must suffer from Bulls mania.

Kirchner vanished from site in 2013 and was never seen again until Meyer offered him a holiday spot in the 2015 RWC.  Never played and it cost SA Rugby a substantial amount of money to cover the cost of other duds like Alberts, Morne and co whose total playing time was less than an hour or - like Kirchner not even a bench selection. 

Hell it is getting worse and worse by the minute.   Was Kirxchner a better full back than Folau?   Show us another manic madness case.

It is pointless to influence toward the termination of SA rugby: it is coming. SA rugby have two options: admit it and manage the process to terminate it or deny it and be forced into the incoming termination.

For sure, people in SA are busy with trying to influence against the termination of rugby in SA. They will fail.

SA is the result of globalization.

SA has driven globalization. Globalist institutions like the IMF have been built on the back of SA. IMF got their gold from SA.

Rugby in SA is a product of globalization and keeps following globalist patterns.

SA rugby failed to localize rugby.

Another day, another tale, SA globalist agents on this board keep dismissing their globalist nature.

Agree on every single point Saffex. 

I hope Kwagga packs bags and heads somewhere else. Same for Combrink and defos the same many other players who earn the right but are denied it by stupidity and politics.

We never seem to manage to select our best 15. And quotas only play one role in that. Of the team starting on Saturday, how many w ill be the best in their position? Half? A quarter? No wonder we're struggling.