Wanted: A new Springbok coach
2007-06-11 12:28
Gary Boshoff
With all the "sensational revelations" about Jake White's supposed irresponsible behaviour and the general acceptance that his contract will not be renewed after the World Cup, the succession debate regarding who will take over from him, has begun in earnest.
In many quarters the belief is strong that the time has arrived for Saru to appoint a black coach to take charge of the Springboks.
Speculation has been rife that in the light of the latest "crackdown" on Jake White and the Springbok selectors' power over selection, the leadership of Saru has finally shown some political will to fundamentally change the course of South African rugby.
It is not that there are no qualified black candidates, in fact, someone like Pieter de Villiers does indeed have the knowledge, experience and people management skills to successfully take over as Springbok coach.
The main determinant of his success, if appointed, will be the kind of support structures put in place to ensure the implementation of his strategy for the Springboks.
It must be kept in mind that the core of the World Cup Springboks will in all probability follow the lure of the pound and the euro and would thus, under the present dispensation not be eligible for Springbok selection post-RWC 2007.
Ideal opportunity
This will leave the new coach in the unenviable position of having to start with the rebuilding process of a "new team".
One can argue that because of this the situation offers Saru the ideal opportunity to appoint someone like De Villiers who has coached most of the present crop of "new Springboks" at some stage in their careers and relishes the opportunity to prove his ability at the highest level.
Other candidates for Springbok coach would include Heyneke Meyer, the triumphant Bulls coach who has proved that strategic planning, effective structures and specialist coaching are critical to sustained success in rugby.
The problem with Meyer is that he has not been able to contextualise his role within the South African socio-political reality and as such is a non-starter for the position.
He would be an ideal assistant for De Villiers, but Meyer is known for doing his own thing and will never be an assistant coach again, least of all to a black Springbok coach!
Assistant
Though many believe Rassie Erasmus to be a strong candidate, his team's dismal performance in the Super 14 did him no favours.
He would in all probability be a better assistant then a head coach in my book.
I don't believe Saru will venture Nick Mallett's way again - he certainly doesn't have a lot of friends in the present administration of South African rugby.
So what about an international coach?
Will Saru even consider appointing a non-South African?
With top coaches like Heyneke Meyer, Dick Muir, Eugene Eloff, Eric Sauls, Timmy Goodwin, John Williams to name a few in the system it would be difficult to justify.
Take over
So I don't think it's an option Saru is considering.
Nevertheless, whoever is going to take over the reigns from Jake White needs to be recruited or appointed as soon as possible.
The last appointment process was an embarrassing affair, something which the present administration can ill-afford to repeat.
Despite the fact that there is no year-end tour, the sooner the new Springbok coach is appointed, the better for the next generation of Springbok heroes.
Gary Boshoff is a former Saru player and well-known rugby administrator.
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