In 2013/2014 we were being told that the golden four would be better than Jean de Villiers….all time legends. The four…Stepfontein, JJ Englebrecht, Jessie Kriel and Johan Goosen were beyond criticism. If you couldn’t see their incredible futures you were a rugby noob.
So what happened? Goosen turned out to be terminally dumb and unstable and is now going through triage with Jake White. But predictably he’s hurt again.
JJ Englebrecht was finally dumped by HM having contributed hugely to our loss at Ellis Park in 2013. After which….obscurity.
Stepfontein is mentioned occasionally as a candidate for the Boks. But no coach has had a serious interest. While the far older Frans has been brought back Stepfontein steps in obscurity.
And remarkably yesterday Jessie Kriel found his way back on an international pitch. A man who was much diminished by losing the Japanese WC match….showed again he should be nowhere near a Bok team.
…..
And the golden lesson from the golden four, don’t buy and repeat the hype….look for the fatal flaws, because if they are there no amount of hype will prevent them from being exposed
