Quota of a different kind:

Being a World Cup year brings all sorts of crazy feelings to rugby fans and players alike. One thing we mustn't forget is that the Southern Hemisphere boys have a small matter of the Tri-Nations to fight for beforehand. I have been keenly watching the Springbok Squad selection and the management team have recently cut a few players which brings me to my quota concern. It's not the usual crap about quota's that you have heard for the last couple of decades but the 'There is no replacement for experience' quota's. 

Basically, are we  going to fall into same trap that the FIFA world cup champions (France & Italy) did? Are we going to be knocked out in the first round because we sent the experienced players instead of inform players? So many questions that are burning me right now and I wish I had answers for them!

Judging by the team that has been announced I see way too many of our inform players playing second fiddle to the older more experienced (and slightly off form) guys and sadly some inform players being dropped. Firstly I would like to briefly tackle the two players that have been dropped from the squad and I think should still be there:

Bjorn Basson and Keegan Daniel:

What else do they need to do in order to move into the International set up? Both have had an awesome season and both have been overlooked by players that are either injured or not playing well at all. 

You can't please every "coach" on squad selections but I think these two have something to offer and will be missed.

Secondly I am worried we will have the likes of Andries Bekker, Bismark du Plessis and Lwazi Mvovo playing behind guys that are not in form or being played out of position. I understand there needs to be a squad in place to help the entire Tri-Nations and IRB RWC campaign but when it comes too big games are we going to pick game breakers or settle for the rugby we saw 4 years ago? The rugby 4 years ago was great...4 years ago. Now that the rugby powers have evolved and changed their game are we going to be able to compete with new innovation or hope to get by on old experience?

Springbok Selections....No 10

So, the debate/argument/discussion is happening already, whether its in the pub or on social networking sites:

Who will be the Springbok Flyhalf this year?

Yes, it is a position which is often depicted by who the scrumhalf is or vice versa and we are pretty sure to have either, Fourie du Preez or Francois Hougaard starting in the number 9 jumper. This will be discussed at a later date.

There are possibly one or two more options available to us but, honestly, we're looking at a choice between these guys:

 

Morne Steyn: Pretty much last seasons first choice flyhalf for the Boks. He is having a relatively poor season according to his standards but in fairness the entire Bulls team fits into that category. It would be tough not to start him and there is no ways on earth barring injury that he won't be in the squad.

 

 Patrick Lambie: A youngster on the international scene with a handful of caps for the Boks but currently the leading points scorer in SupeRugby for 2011. An extremely exciting player and we all love a running flyhalf but I think he might still be a bit raw. Its a tough one and I would love to see him as our first choice number 10. 

 Butch James: 2007 World Cup winning Flyhalf and apart from that, he is just damn good. One of reasons we like him so much is he busts his ASS to make sure his opponents go home feeling that he has hit them harder than a freight train. Soon to be running out for the Lions in the SupeRugby we are all keen to see what he has learned playing for Bath.

 Peter Grant: Back in Cape Town and playing for the Stormers after a stint in Japan. His plan was to become a better player and one thing is for sure, he is kicking a little bit better than before. The Stormers have however only scored one try in 3 games which isn't always his fault but you do tend to blame the pivot when the outside backs aren't doing the business. Still a great option and can't be overlooked.

Personally, I think this will be tough for everyone except Peter de Villiers, he will go for tried and tested and the most recent to fit into that category would be Morne Steyn and Pat Lambie. The latter however could fill a 'utility' position in the squad which will allow for either Butch James or Peter Grant...Who Else?