Thoughts on Meyer's squad . . .

Haven't had much chance to post in the last few days and it would be remiss of me not to congratulate Heyneke Meyer on an excellent Springbok squad, certainly one of the least frustrating squad announcements I can remember over the last few years.

My initial reservations about Meyer when he was appointed were concerning his perceived bias towards the Bulls players and there are still one or two Bulls players who I think are lucky to make the squad . . . Zane Kirchner, Bjorn Basson and Francois Hougaard are three that come to mind . . .  but Meyer has recognized the performers in this year's S15 and well done to him for picking the likes of Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie Le Roux, Arno Botha, Jan Serfontein and Trevor Nyakane.

I still have a problem with overseas-based players being picked for the Springboks and I think we should have a hard and fast rule that you only play for the Springboks if you play in the S15 or the Currie Cup, but at the same time I have to admit it's almost a relief to have a world-class scrumhalf like Ruan Pienaar in the squad while Francois Hougaard is so hopelessly out of form.

Other than injuries, the only notable omission is Heinrich Brussow who continues to be ignored by Meyer, but I must say, I did think Cobus Reinach would be fit again by now and I would have preferred him to Jano Vermaak if that is the case. Does anyone know if Reinach is fit again?

As for the squealers bleating about not enough quality or experience in the squad, please name alternatives instead of just stamping your little feet. Meyer can't just magically pluck experienced world class players out of thin air and he has to select on what he sees. I think he's done pretty well and I feel quite positive about the Springboks this year.

I think somebody has hijacked ou rooitwits posting nick! A fairly sensible post for once.

There are actually some poor picks and ommisions  but all in all a decent test side can be picked from the squad and rooitwit I also am hopeful re the test season.

Meyer had largely rewarded form: Ex Home page

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has moved to debunk the notion that he was intransigent in his selections in naming a 34-man squad for the upcoming Test series involving Samoa, Italy and Scotland.

Meyer has, in the past, received plenty of criticism for his perceived favouritism towards certain players in his first year in charge of the Boks.

"I want to prove to the players that I am loyal to performance. I don't have favourites," said Meyer after naming his squad in Cape Town on Saturday. (Please note ou maaaikie!!)

"The great thing is there are nine uncapped players, six guys that are in the squad for the first time.

"It just shows to the players that if you really play hard in Super Rugby there is always a chance of playing for your country."

The Bok mentor has been criticised for a style of play which has been considered by some to be too defence oriented.

Among the newcomers are Cheetahs sensation Willie le Roux and Bulls prodigy Jan Serfontein.

Le Roux has been one of the standout players in this year's Super Rugby competition, and has emerged to be a valuable game-breaker.

Serfontein has made a meteoric rise since starring in last year's Junior World Championship-winning SA under-20 squad.

Meyer believed the inclusion of players such as Le Roux and Serfontein could give the Bok backline an added edge.

"[Le Roux] played some great rugby in Super Rugby and I believe he can play at full-back as well, he plays at the Cheetahs as a second fly-half which I like from a full-back coming from the back," said Meyer.

"He's really played well this year and it just shows you that a smaller union can deliver Springboks, now it is up to him to make the step-up."

Meyer said that while he had selected a number of players on their form this season, he would nevertheless stick with the core of players who did duty for him throughout last year.

Some newcomers in Springbok jerseys could be expected for the first Test in the incoming series against Italy at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

"You will probably go with the experienced side to start off, but I want to have a look at one or two of the youngsters coming off the bench," he said.

"It is a very young squad and you want to give the guys Test matches to get them up to 30 to 40 Test matches at the World Cup.

"A lot of these youngsters will be great players in future and I want to give one or two of them chances from the bench to see how they perform on a high level."

The Springbok coach said he would reward players who plied their trade in South Africa, with scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and flanker Francois Louw being the only overseas-based players included in the squad.

Meyer identified the scrums, breakdowns and goal-kicking as major areas he wanted the Boks to improve on from last year.

It is in the goal-kicking department that the national side particularly fell short last season.

Meyer believed that, had his kickers performed better in 2012, his winning percentage would have looked much rosier. (Only would have lost one match and no draws)

Bulls fly-half Morne Steyn was uncharacteristically below-par with his kicking last year, but he has been on song this season.

Incumbent Springbok fly-half Pat Lambie's aim has also been solid in this year's Super Rugby and Meyer expected more points to come the Sharks' way from goal-kicking

Baboon-ou, two things . . .

Rooinek,  I come in peace OK!

Rooitwit thansk for your misplaced advice. I now you mean well so will not take exception to your half witted suggestions.

Beeno

We are so screwed. I am already greasing myself up bending over to get penetrated by Kiwi supporters after the TRC 

"I am already greasing myself up bending over to get penetrated by Kiwi supporters after the TRC."

So Desmond Tutu will be handing R30 000 to liers in the The Rugby Championship? 

"So Desmond Tutu will be handing R30 000 to liers in the The Rugby Championship?"

Bluebok, I don't believe I've ever felt any anger towards Baboon-ou. I might feel sorry for the pitiful creature sometimes but "anger"? I don't think so.

 Bissie should not be in the squad - whats he doing there?- rather his place be taken by someone else and not necessarily a hooker either.

Oi you are talking about a guy who until injured was rated the best hooker in world rugby! He is about ready to start playing again and may get some time off the bench. Bringing Bissie up to speed is great news surely.

No doubt about him being the best, Beeno - he's a friggin stud, an icon and I have read that he has actually used this time to bulk up and is visibly larger if that is at all possible. Just don't think he should be ushered into the squad automatically, especially when the coach is going on about being loyal to current form and the Boks have the perfect scenario with the June competition to blood another new player. Surely for a player coming back from his type of major injury the safer place to do it is in Super Rugby rather than Test rugby? and in the process deny players who would covet that Bok cap and have earned it with their form and commitment to SA rugby.