South Africa - The State of the Nation

Banned for life

While top referees earn good remuneration and travel the world, club referees perform an often thankless task, providing a service to the game without which matches could not take place. When referees get assaulted by players or spectators it is a matter of grave concern. Huge plaudits to the Eastern Province Rugby Union for the life ban they’ve imposed on three Fort Beaufort Barbarians players for their assault on a referee, and for suspending the Fort Beaufort Barbarians Rugby Club from all rugby activities for the rest of 2015. Such decisive action is essential and sets the appropriate standard for similar offences.

Where will the players come from?

All four SA teams in action in Round 14 lost their matches. After 14 Rounds, three New Zealand teams and two Australian teams are ahead of all five SA team in terms of log points accumulated. So many good SA players are on contract overseas. From where then will the players be drawn next year when the country fields a sixth Super team? With only five teams, there are already problems with the quality and depth of talent available.

BlitzBokke dilemma

Should SARU change their policy with regard to Springbok Sevens selection to bolster the squad for next year’s Rio Olympic Games? With 2015 geared towards winning the World Cup, to the extent that Springbok players have mandatory rest from Super Rugby commitments, will the 2016 focus shift to winning the Olympic Gold Medal? Should the current squad of players committed full-time to Sevens be extended to include players with Super and Springbok contracts, so as to offer BlitzBokke coach Neil Powell a wider range of talent? Again this weekend in London, as last weekend in Glasgow, limitations have been exposed – on attack especially – and in order to win the Olympic Gold, a rethink on selection may be required.

The Matfield – Du Preez – De Villiers dilemma

While having Jean de Villiers captain the Springboks at the World Cup makes good sense even if he will not have played much rugby before the tournament, simply because his leadership skills are exceptional – for his masterful composure and communication and decision-making and inspiration – and in tight games will make such a substantial difference to the Boks, are 38-year-old Victor Matfield and 33-year-old Fourie du Preez wise selections? Heyneke Meyer will no doubt select both of them, but can Matfield still make the necessary impact in his 39^th year? How sharp will Du Preez be after playing so little rugby thus far this year and playing only in Japan? Perhaps the Rugby Championship will be the best time to assess their likely contributions to the Boks winning the World Cup.