So where do things stand with the Boks right now

For a literally scratch side this has been a great start for Rassie

The Bok front row with Marx as hooker looks to be more than adequate. Coenie will also be back.

No problem at lock especially when Eben is back along with Lood etc.

Lose forwards fine but need an additional 6.

Faf and Pollard fine halfbacks and there is back up in Robert Du Preez. Van Zyl has looked adequate

Esterhuizen will no doubt get a shot in Cape Town and there is also Rohan who i rate. The improving Kriel may partner Esterhuizen..

The wing position is a bit concerning as these guys may get run over by the likes of Nahalo etc. That Lions number eight Damyamani, was it, should not be overlooked. He is a tad under 100kg and gave the best Super Rugby display on the wing seen this season for the Lions. Combrinck if defence proves to be a problem

Willie at 15 is superb. Gelant will probably play at Cape Town and we shall see if he can cut it.

A pack of Beast, Marx, Du Toit, Eben, Snyman, Kolisi, Vermuelen and Steph Du Toit would be too much for the wee abs to handle!!!.

Reserves say, Kitshoff, Akkers, Coenie, Mostert and Du Preez

Ouch!!!

Well summarized.

the improving Kriel

Kriel will not improve. This is his 4th test season and he still has the same fundamental weaknesses popping up over and over again.

Pakie

In the first year  Kriel played according to a plan deficient coach Meyer and was not given any real opportunity to develop.   The coach nearly destroyed Pollard as well - in the WC on 2015 he made Burger the stand-in first receiver and destroying any potential backline play.

In the two years under Coetzee the situation was even worse - no plan, clueless selection and Jantjies and hold it Morne Steyn at flyhalf.  Jantjies is a good Super Rugby player  but cannot take the step up to test level.   Morne Steyn since 2012 was a disaster at flyhalf.   That set the backline back for the two years under Coetzee.  

Fact is Meyer nd Coetzee was in a race to see who is the worst at backline coaching and the result was a dead heat.

I think a person should give Kriel a further chance in a proper coaching environment and should he not make it under the new and proper management  he should be discarded/

Well said Mike ou Pakie doesn't realize young players can and do improve. Kriel has had a good season thus far under Mitchell!

As for the Boks we need a great tighthead, a great 6, The center combo sorted and wings who can also defend - Niaber should get the defence right or else there should be a change in player personnel.