Sportbud’s Springbok Team

We have decided to put together a team which we think should play for the Boks for the next year or two, this team is based on our opinions only and Injuries were not put into consideration. Some may feel that we have left out a few players who should be there well you right we have, there are only 22 possible

Pat Lambie was a no brainier for the Bok number 10.

positions and a hell of a lot of talent in South Africa. we did our best.

1 – Beast Mtawarira

There has been talk that the “Beast” has not been at his might best of late and perhaps there is some truth behind those statements. But he still makes my team by pure muscle and power; expect him to put in some mighty scrimmage performances in November to make up for Last years EOY tour. A freak runner of the ball sometimes too.

2 – Bismarck du Plessis (vc)

Take Nothing Away from Adriaan Strauss, he’s very, very good but Bismarck is another monster altogether and would be any team’s Hooker. He’s mobility, fitness and ability to turn over quality ball at the right times is what makes du Plessis so vital to the Springboks cause. He was missed in the Rugby Championship and will be missed at the EOY tour for sure.

3 – Jannie du Plessis

He has probably had the season of his life and is in great form, he try’s harder and harder every game which is surprising considering no one is quite near him when it comes to the number three jersey.

4 – Eben Etzebeth

The youngster is quickly gaining a name for himself with some even dubbing him the next “Victor Matfield” certainly a brilliant prospect and it’s going to be interesting to see what he does at the EOY tour.

5 – Andries Bekker

Has had an up and down career so far with Western Province as well as the boks, of course injury did not help and neither did his cheating scandal at the beginning of his career. When on for a lineout master, here’s hoping he makes the number 5 his own

6 – Marcell Coetzee

He made a fantastic start to his Springbok career but has since been used as more of an impact player by Bok coach Heynek meyer, He’s big, agile, powerful and can tackle the living daylights out of the oppositions, what’s not to like? He’s our Bok number 6 any day.

7 – Willem Alberts

His move from the Lions to the Sharks proved a master stroke, not only has he excelled for the Sharks but he has been an asset to them as well as the Springboks, has been a bit quiet of late in the green and gold but we’re sure he’ll be back to his very best soon.

8 – Ryan Kankowski

This was a tough one, Spies is out of sorts so we never really considered him for Bok duty, it’s such a shame that Kanko left when he did, the form he was (and still is by the way) was imperious.  Duane Vermeulen is a hot candidate for the number 8 but we have benched him. Kanko is returning to the Sharks next season and he’ll be all over the Bok number 8.

9 – Ruann Pienaar

In superb for at the moment but more telling is the fact that there is not really a scrummy in SA who can fight him for the number 9 at the moment, Hougaard maybe but he is seen as a wing and we agree.

10 – Patrick Lambie

This was probably the easiest selection of them all and probably one that most readers will agree with, funny thing is that our Coach probably won’t. there’s no weakness in this man, his tactical brilliance, his kicking at polls, his attacking flare and his pure X factor is what makes him stand out. Meyer has said Lambie will get his shot at 10 at the EOY tour. We hope he impresses the Bok coach.

11 – Bryan Habana

SA Rugby Player of the year 2012, not more to say is there? Yes there is. Pure pace, x-Factor of note and an ability to spot even the smallest and unlikeliest of opportunities. A pity he is not going to the EOY tour but he sure has a lot to offer Springbok and WP Rugby.

12 – Francois Steyn

Has been quiet of late but showed glimpses of his old self recently, injured at the moment but should stake his claim for the Sharks next season and hopefully in our minds claim the bok number 12.

13 – Jean de Villiers (c)

To be honest we would not have de Villers in our team at all, but since he is the captain for now we have put him in, Jean is getting old and with the likes of Tim Whitehead and Paul Jordaan lurking de Villiers days are numbered. Not impressed with him at all.

14 – JP Pietersen

Players Player of the year 2012, in sublime for at the moment even after his injury, can play center but we would love to see him on the wing. JP Owns the number 14 Bok jersey at the moment.

15 – Zane Kirchener

Again, not our favorite, we would love to see Louis Ludik there but you just get the feeling that Kirchener is there to stay. Solid enough and does the basics well so can’t complain but not a Percy Montgomery, defiantly not a Monty.

Our Bench will consist of the following players and yes we have left Morne Steyn out altogether in fact Morne would not evenmake our initial squad, as far as we are concerned, his Bok days are over. You will notice that Schalk Burger has also been left out,  Yes he has.

16 – Lwazi Mvovo

17 – Johan Goosen

18 – Paul Jordaan

19 – Adriaan Strauss

20 – Coenie Oosthuizen

21 – Flip van der Merwe

22 – Duane Vermeulen

Thoughts?

Filed under: Rugby, bismarck du plessis, boks, pat lambie, rugby, South Africa, springbok team, springboks, team