I start with the premise that we have a fine team. A team that could so easily have won the RWC. And so my suggestions are directed at continuity and regeneration....rather than wholesale revolution. So here's what I see for our starters:
Pat Lambie....I'd keep at 15 where his creative instincts and nerve serve us well. An obvious starter in 2012.
JP....is simply too inconsistent these days. Perhaps this is a slot for one of our young stars.
Fury....off to Japan pursuing the money trail. A non contributor at the RWC. I'd move Jean to 13
Fransie....could play 12 or 15, but I'd start him at 12. With his ability to pass in the tackle and boot, he could become a powerrful figure in 2012.
Habana....like a golfer with the yips, Bryan goes on trying, but it's not happening. Tellingly he no longer challenges opponents on the outside. Bring in Hougard who gives us a Campese like dimension, and has played his best matches on the wing, not at scrummie.
Morne...with a bit of coaching Morne could develop his attacking skills....the defensive coaching before the RWC made him a solid defender in 10 channel, and he remains the best place kicker in the game.
I'd replace F du Preez with Ruan Pienaar. Pienaar has all the instincts of a great scrummie and a silky break. He was rattled by the ill advised move to 10, but will be a world class 9 given some continuity.
Steenkamp should not have been played ahead of the Beast. He is no better at scrum time and not nearly as explosive in the loose. A fine back up though.
Smit makes way for Bismarck. The admirable Strauss to back up du Plessis.
Jannie is the best we have, but the search must go on for a power tighthead. We exited the RWC before NZ could expose Jannie's frailties.
Brussouw...a very concerning RWC, where he was outplayed against Wales and Oz. And even if this was not the case, his body is cracking up. We need options here, but I see no WC fetcher on the rise.
Victor should be replaced by Bekker....not as cerebral, but a brilliant rugby player.
Rossouw blew hot and cold at the RWC, most cold when he stupidly gifted Aus their winning penalty. But I'm not sure there is anybody better. Mostert perhaps, certainly not Flip. Perhaps Bakkies can soldier on for a year or so.
Schalk should be made captain, and Smith evaluated after his long lay off. Please no Deysel.
Spies I hope never wears the green and gold again....a total non contributor at the RWC, and above all , not a competitor. This position is wide open, with Alberts and Vermeulen the obvious candidates.
