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'It's highly unlikely Boks will take three white half-backs to the World Cup'
By Online Editors
Cobus Reinach’s white-coloured skin - not form - will likely be the biggest obstacle to his desire for a Springboks recall ahead of the 2019 World Cup. So fears Kiwi Chris Boyd, the South African’s club boss at Northampton Saints.
The 29-year-old won 10 caps in under a year when last involved with his country from September 2014 to August 2015.
However, hopes that some excellent English Premiership form can catapult him back into the selection mix under latest ’Bok boss Rassie Erasmus are set to go unfulfilled due to South Africa’s quota system selection criteria.
Reinach has caught the eye this season, scoring 13 tries in 17 appearances, a run of form that last weekend included a two-try effort in Saints’ 66-17 rout of a Sale side that featured Far de Klerk, Erasmus’ current English-based scrum-half pick.
“You’d say he has played his way back into contention in this context, but it’s not as simple as that,” said Boyd in the Sunday edition of the UK-based The Rugby Paper.
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“There’s complexity around South African rugby and their selection that exists and it does have an impact - it would be highly unlikely for them to take three white half-backs to the World Cup,” he added, tackling the delicate subject of Springbok selection which resulted in the white De Klerk being joined by black Bulls pair Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier on their country’s November European tour.
“Only South Africa will know what the situation will look like going forward but Cobus has certainly put his hand up. Like everyone else here, we’re encouraging guys to chase international honours and I wish him well.”
Historically, South Africa’s pathways to top level sport were only open to white players and the quota system has sought to change that from the top level down.
It’s an approach that has caused debate, former All Black out-half Andrew Mehrtens telling RugbyPass: “Their selection policies are not conducive to creating a merit-based team… they’re not going to get the results until they change the top level of social engineering.”
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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