Sky considers Springbok skipper options
Who should captain the Springboks under Allister Coetzee?
The issue of who would coach the Springboks was arguably the worst kept secret in the history of SA Rugby.
Allister ‘Toetie’ Coetzee has been linked with the post ever since it got vacant and after he left the Stormers for the yen it got pretty obvious that he would get the most decorated job in the South African rugby scene.
OK so now we have the man we wanted - the man who on all bases qualifies for the post whether being on merit, experience or transformation - Coetzee ticks all those boxes.
The big question now is who will captain his Springboks?
Heyneke Meyer had this obsession with experienced players over form and it showed when he stuck with picking Jean de Villiers because he was his captain not because of form - I would urge Coetzee not to be trapped in the same situation.
When asked about the captaincy Coetzee said: "South Africans put a lot of pressure on our captain. I understand it is a pivotal and vital role and it’s important that I meet with certain players inside and outside the country. I will have to see if that candidate fits into what I want to achieve with this team. The captain is instrumental to winning Test matches. It’s not just about having some good media interviews."
Now my first pick for the captaincy, and I am sure you would agree with, me is Duane Vermeulen
Vermeulen has all the attributes of a leader and is almost certain to be picked in every starting line-up for the Boks.
A captain should demand respect which Duane does and his discipline on and off the field is immaculate.
He plays and acts like a leader and is probably our best forward - ask the All Blacks - they know him very well.
Vermeulen has been among the best loose forwards in world rugby for the past three years. Heyneke Meyer marked him as a future Springbok captain.
One must also not forget that Vermeulen has led a Coetzee coached side - the Stormers in 2015.
Now rumour has it that SARU wants the next captain to be based in South Africa and so a guy like Duane would have an issue as he is playing for Toulon with his contract only ending in 2018.
If you look at local players - Adriaan Strauss does stand out - but will he be the starting hooker ahead of Bismarck du Plessis...
You look at Beast at the Cell C Sharks who is turning 31 this year - how long until he goes looking for the euros or pounds...
Handre Pollard captained the Baby Boks to winning the Junior World Championships in 2014 and so he could be a long-term candidate. That is if Coetzee sees him as his preferred playmaker ahead of Patrick Lambie and Elton Jantjies.
Coetzee has two months to pick his best Springbok side, install his gameplan and identify his leader before a very settled Ireland side come visiting in June.
Good luck to Allister - a big job with big decisions to be made.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre
Allister ‘Toetie’ Coetzee has been linked with the post ever since it got vacant and after he left the Stormers for the yen it got pretty obvious that he would get the most decorated job in the South African rugby scene.
OK so now we have the man we wanted - the man who on all bases qualifies for the post whether being on merit, experience or transformation - Coetzee ticks all those boxes.
The big question now is who will captain his Springboks?
Heyneke Meyer had this obsession with experienced players over form and it showed when he stuck with picking Jean de Villiers because he was his captain not because of form - I would urge Coetzee not to be trapped in the same situation.
When asked about the captaincy Coetzee said: "South Africans put a lot of pressure on our captain. I understand it is a pivotal and vital role and it’s important that I meet with certain players inside and outside the country. I will have to see if that candidate fits into what I want to achieve with this team. The captain is instrumental to winning Test matches. It’s not just about having some good media interviews."
Now my first pick for the captaincy, and I am sure you would agree with, me is Duane Vermeulen
Vermeulen has all the attributes of a leader and is almost certain to be picked in every starting line-up for the Boks.
A captain should demand respect which Duane does and his discipline on and off the field is immaculate.
He plays and acts like a leader and is probably our best forward - ask the All Blacks - they know him very well.
Vermeulen has been among the best loose forwards in world rugby for the past three years. Heyneke Meyer marked him as a future Springbok captain.
One must also not forget that Vermeulen has led a Coetzee coached side - the Stormers in 2015.
Now rumour has it that SARU wants the next captain to be based in South Africa and so a guy like Duane would have an issue as he is playing for Toulon with his contract only ending in 2018.
If you look at local players - Adriaan Strauss does stand out - but will he be the starting hooker ahead of Bismarck du Plessis...
You look at Beast at the Cell C Sharks who is turning 31 this year - how long until he goes looking for the euros or pounds...
Handre Pollard captained the Baby Boks to winning the Junior World Championships in 2014 and so he could be a long-term candidate. That is if Coetzee sees him as his preferred playmaker ahead of Patrick Lambie and Elton Jantjies.
Coetzee has two months to pick his best Springbok side, install his gameplan and identify his leader before a very settled Ireland side come visiting in June.
Good luck to Allister - a big job with big decisions to be made.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre