Springboks' fly-half headache
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has voiced his concern over the lack of depth at fly-half in South Africa.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has voiced his concern over the lack of depth at fly-half in South Africa.
De Villiers has said that the presence of French fly-half Frédérick Michalak and former All Black pivot Tony Brown in South Africa franchises is compounding his selection difficulties.
The World Cup holders' new coach told Beeld that replacing Butch James (now plying his trade in England with Bath) in the number ten jersey was his main concern in light of selecting his Springbok team to face Wales in June.
De Villiers said that imported players such as Michalak and Brown are denying potential contenders for the Springbok jersey much needed match exposure, making a decision as to who South Africa's best fly-half is difficult.
“I'd like to see Peter Grant play more often, just as I would appreciate it if the Sharks gave Ruan Pienaar more exposure at fly-half,” said De Villiers.
The main candidates for the vital role seem to be hindered by their versatility.
Grant has played at both centre and fly-half for the Stormers while the Sharks have alternated between Francois Steyn and Michalak outside Pienaar, who has played exclusively at scrum-half.
“For the test matches against Wales I would like to start with a team in which every player is a specialist in his position,” said the Bok coach.
The Springbok selector's stance does not bode well for Steyn especially, as he has already worn the number 10, 12, 13 and 15 jerseys in this year's Super 14.
“I do not know what his best position is. And I make no secret of the fact that I do not value versatility highly,” said De Villiers of the 20-year-old World Cup hero.
He added that he was concerned that Steyn was becoming too versatile and had hence not proven himself in one particular position this season.
The Springboks meet Wales in Bloemfontein on June 7 and a Pretoria a week later before the Tri-Nations.
De Villiers also said that their would be some surprises in his first Bok team, adding that only seven of the World Cup final's starting XV would make his side on present form.
“Some of the World Cup stalwarts made a slow start in the Super 14 but I am encouraged by the upward curve in their form,” he explained.
“Take Bryan Habana. He was awesome in the Bulls' last two matches. He is a special player who has the ability to help everyone around him lift their game.
“Some of the players selected may not necessarily be young in years but rather young in Springbok experience.”
De Villiers said it was “90 per cent” certain that Gary Gold and Dick Muir would be his assistant coaches but he would like to see them remain involved with their Super 14 franchises, the Stormers and the Sharks.