Former South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has criticised the new Bok set-up, labelling Heyneke Meyer's squad "too white".
De Villiers, who coached SA from 2008-2011, isn't happy with the racial composition of the current side after Meyer started three non-white players - Bryan Habana, Zane Kirchner and Tendai Mtawarira - in the past four Rugby Championship games.
Meyer is already under pressure from South Africa's rugby-mad public following the two wins, two draws and two defeats from his first six Tests in charge since taking over from De Villiers.
And Meyer might be facing even more pressure should his predecessor's campaign to change his mix of players gathers pace.
"We have to know what country we're living in, and at the moment we're turning a lot of black people against us by making the team white," De Villiers - the first non-white head coach of the Boks - told Ballz Radio in an interview.
"People don't want to talk (about race), but I have to... we're breaking up the country, and damaging a sport that we all love.
"We do have a lot of great (black) players who can make a difference. You have Gio Aplon - here in Cape Town - who can make a hell of a difference.
"You've got Juan de Jongh, an exciting player who can make a difference. We never played (Siya) Kolisi - who's now injured, he was never given a chance," added De Villiers.
"There are a lot of players like Chiliboy Ralepelle (who is also injured). He was the one guy who can make that 10 per cent difference that you need from a replacement to come onto the field.
"We're turning all the black support against the Springboks. Wherever I go I hear people talking negative about the Springboks."
Comments
2EyedKiwi says...
@kybone. Bold statement from P Divvy? Remember, this is the guy who likened himself to Jesus...
Posted 19:27 19th September 2012
steban says...
For once I have too agree with PdV. The "whiteness" of the Boks is clearly a reason for them playing so poorly. Meyer must immidiately take action in this matter: those Boks who lack the proper tan should be send to nearest solarium to get an appropriate tan. Then the problems of SA team will be fixed by itself, there will be no need in adjusting the out-of-date game plan that current coach Meyer manages to come up with game after game. But that is not the issue - get the right colored tan and all problems will dissapear themselves! :)
Posted 19:13 19th September 2012
Kawasakifreak says...
Who cares what colour the players are ?
If you pick on ability - eventually - you gain credibility & respect.
Anything else is just dishonest.
Posted 19:10 19th September 2012
RUGBYorDIE says...
"People don't want to talk (about race), but I have to... we're breaking up the country, and damaging a sport that we all love. ..............................
DIVVY YOU DIVOT!!!
I spent over £15K on a trip of a lifetime to RWC2011................ all for you to have a say in how my trip would turn out......and im afraid its you who ruined the sport I love for 4 years that I'll never get back!!!
SHUT UP, YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE.
Posted 18:25 19th September 2012
Zambokke says...
PdV,s squads were about the same mix as HM's except for in 2008 when he selected an additional 3 zimbabweans.What a hypocrite. Mvovo is close to starting and Aplon and de Jong are great cover on the bench. I can think of 3 players who were either not good enough or else past their best who PDV insisted on regularly selecting or including in the squad.PDV also thought that a certain young rose was the future of SA rugby. PDV we all remember the days of Vetkoek, Adi and Rose.
Posted 18:24 19th September 2012
kybone says...
If they're good enough to be picked then they will be, surely. If PdV is suggesting that Meyer is intentionally leaving black players out in favour of inferior white players then thats a pretty bold statement to make and a fairly wild accusation!
Posted 17:54 19th September 2012
philipjfry says...
Thanks for that, can we focus on the rugby now?
Posted 16:28 19th September 2012
APV1 says...
Such a plank, but hugely entertaining.
Posted 16:28 19th September 2012
DrDeath says...
Ignoring the politics-if Ralepelle is better than Schalk Brits then I'll eat my hair!!
Posted 16:21 19th September 2012
SACanuck says...
Priceless. In SA it is never about being the best team in the world it is always about politics.
Posted 15:38 19th September 2012