Springbok World Cup Squad
We take a look at the South African World Cup Squad, including 2 shock inclusions the selectors didn't know about (again)
When Jake White named his World Cup squad, he had 2 main aims:
1) Announce a squad of players capable of winning the world cup
2) Claim a new world record for most number of van der Westhuizen’s in a single team
Amazingly, he has managed to accomplish both.
There can be no doubt that the Springboks are capable of winning the world cup. They have set their sights high, with a stated aim of going through the pool games undefeated by using only drop-goals to score.
Their recent defeats to Australia and the All Blacks however reveal a concerning lack of depth and facial hair. The Springboks also appear to be unable to adjust their gameplan should it prove ineffective, and it’s this lack of nouse which many suspect will be their undoing.
Looking at their squad is an interesting exercise, as you find a group of solid, world-class players. However if picking a world XV, how many South Africans would be chosen ahead of All Blacks, or others? Hayman’s Beard believes 2 at most, and it is that lack of truly world-beating stars which will be their downfall.
Once again controversy has marred the squad selection though, with SARFU President Oregan Hoskins again slipping in 2 players of his own picking without consulting Coach Jake White or the other Springbok selectors.
In adding Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu to the squad, Hoskins has attempted to increase the number of black players in the World Cup team, whilst also trying to bolster cover at fullback, centre and wing.
“Nelson is a quality player of great experience. Defensively he’s unequalled, and his great positional kicking game means he can cover any of the back 3 positions should injuries occur. And with Desmond we now have the kind of explosive power that can win matches. Coming off the bench The Bish’ as he’s known, gives us serious impact” commented Hoskins.
White was confused as hell at the announcement, but later refused to criticise the selections. He also refused to comment on rumours that Mandela had demanded the captaincy, and had locked himself in the team bus until his demands were met.
Springbok World Cup Squad:
Bakkies Botha van der Westhuizen, BJ Botha van der Westhuizen, Gary Botha van der Westhuizen, Schalk Burger van der Westhuizen, Jean De Villiers van der Westhuizen, Fourie Du Preez van der Westhuizen, Os Du Randt van der Westhuizen, Jaque Fourie van der Westhuizen, Bryan Habana, Butch James van der Westhuizen, Ricky Januarie van der Westhuizen, Victor Matfield van der Westhuizen, Percy Montgomery, Johann Muller van der Westhuizen, Akona Ndungane van der Westhuizen, Wynand Olivier van der Westhuizen, Ruan Pienaar van der Westhuizen, JP Pietersen van der Westhuizen, Andre Pretorius van der Westhuizen, Danie Rossouw van der Westhuizen, Bob Skinstad van der Westhuizen, Pierre Spies van der Westhuizen, John Smit van der Westhuizen (Captain), Juan Smith van der Westhuizen, Gurthro Steenkamp van der Westhuizen, Francois Steyn van der Westhuizen, Albert Van Den Berg van der Westhuizen, Wikus Van Heerden van der Westhuizen, CJ Van Der Linde van der Westhuizen, Ashwin Willemse van der Westhuizen, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu
There can be no doubt that the Springboks are capable of winning the world cup. They have set their sights high, with a stated aim of going through the pool games undefeated by using only drop-goals to score.
Their recent defeats to Australia and the All Blacks however reveal a concerning lack of depth and facial hair. The Springboks also appear to be unable to adjust their gameplan should it prove ineffective, and it’s this lack of nouse which many suspect will be their undoing.
Looking at their squad is an interesting exercise, as you find a group of solid, world-class players. However if picking a world XV, how many South Africans would be chosen ahead of All Blacks, or others? Hayman’s Beard believes 2 at most, and it is that lack of truly world-beating stars which will be their downfall.
Once again controversy has marred the squad selection though, with SARFU President Oregan Hoskins again slipping in 2 players of his own picking without consulting Coach Jake White or the other Springbok selectors.
In adding Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu to the squad, Hoskins has attempted to increase the number of black players in the World Cup team, whilst also trying to bolster cover at fullback, centre and wing.
“Nelson is a quality player of great experience. Defensively he’s unequalled, and his great positional kicking game means he can cover any of the back 3 positions should injuries occur. And with Desmond we now have the kind of explosive power that can win matches. Coming off the bench The Bish’ as he’s known, gives us serious impact” commented Hoskins.
White was confused as hell at the announcement, but later refused to criticise the selections. He also refused to comment on rumours that Mandela had demanded the captaincy, and had locked himself in the team bus until his demands were met.
Springbok World Cup Squad:
Bakkies Botha van der Westhuizen, BJ Botha van der Westhuizen, Gary Botha van der Westhuizen, Schalk Burger van der Westhuizen, Jean De Villiers van der Westhuizen, Fourie Du Preez van der Westhuizen, Os Du Randt van der Westhuizen, Jaque Fourie van der Westhuizen, Bryan Habana, Butch James van der Westhuizen, Ricky Januarie van der Westhuizen, Victor Matfield van der Westhuizen, Percy Montgomery, Johann Muller van der Westhuizen, Akona Ndungane van der Westhuizen, Wynand Olivier van der Westhuizen, Ruan Pienaar van der Westhuizen, JP Pietersen van der Westhuizen, Andre Pretorius van der Westhuizen, Danie Rossouw van der Westhuizen, Bob Skinstad van der Westhuizen, Pierre Spies van der Westhuizen, John Smit van der Westhuizen (Captain), Juan Smith van der Westhuizen, Gurthro Steenkamp van der Westhuizen, Francois Steyn van der Westhuizen, Albert Van Den Berg van der Westhuizen, Wikus Van Heerden van der Westhuizen, CJ Van Der Linde van der Westhuizen, Ashwin Willemse van der Westhuizen, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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