Straeuli's door still open

2003-07-08 21:37

Herbert Pretorius

Cape Town - Players not included in the Springboks' Tri-Nations rugby squad can still force their way into the World Cup squad with excellent performances in the Currie Cup competition.

This was reiterated by national coach Rudolf Straeuli on Tuesday. And to underline this, he said he would write letters to a number of Currie Cup coaches, explaining what will be expected of certain players in order to make the Bok squad.

"The last thing I want now, is for the players who did not make the 33-member Tri-Nations squad to be under the impression that they're completely out of the picture for the World Cup," said Straeuli.

The coach also said he would appoint specific individuals to monitor the Currie Cup matches that begin at the end of July.

Among the players who should regard the competition as a lifebuoy, are Cobus Visagie (tighthead prop), AJ Venter (utility forward), Robbie Fleck (centre) and Neil de Kock and Bolla Conradie (both scrumhalves).

It seems as if Straeuli may request the Natal Sharks to utilise Venter in the lock position, since the fiery player is apparently no longer regarded as an option on the side of the scrum.

Luke Watson

Nineteen-year old flanker Luke Watson will be closely watched by the selectors. He could not be considered for inclusion in the SA A team recently because of an injury to his thumb.

Players who have been out of action for some time because of injury will also benefit from the Currie Cup competition. They include Jean de Villiers (centre), Hendro Scholtz (flanker), Breyton Paulse (wing), Faan Rautenbach (tighthead prop), Joe van Niekerk (flanker) and Werner Greeff (utility back).

"Jean can start practising full out again, and Joe should be fit within a week or two. Werner should also be 100 per cent fit in a fortnight's time. Hendro and Faan's progress will be monitored closely on almost a daily basis," said Straeuli.

As alternative to match practice, some of the players' fitness would be put to the test in hard contact sessions on the practice field, said Straeuli.

The coach also hinted that more Under-21 players than Enrico Januarie (scrumhalf) and Derick Hougaard (flyhalf) could make the World Cup squad. However, he refused to mention these candidates by name.

- Die Burger