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Rankings list for top players
24/01/2008 22:25 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - A rankings list of the top South African rugby players in every position will be drawn up and made available to the news media this year.
New Springbok coach Peter de Villiers says this will be done in conjunction with the coaches of the SA Super 14 teams.
The rankings will be compiled halfway through the Super 14 competition and by then all top players will know exactly where they stand with De Villiers.
"Every player will know where he is on the list. We want to encourage them to come and discuss their shortcomings so that they will know how to improve their rankings," De Villiers said this week.
"We're not going to include anyone on a list because we like him or his manners. Everything will depend on his performances."
Players may be shocked to learn that the rankings will be made available to the news media.
"Why not?" De Villiers asked. "It will begin halfway through the Super 14. Any player must know who is ahead of him.
"Players have the right to know where they are on the list.
Criteria will be announced
"This will lead to more debating and will provide insight into what people think. The people will also know what you (the coach) are thinking.
"The criteria used to judge players will also be announced."
De Villiers may not necessarily select the top-ranked player in any given position for the Springbok team.
"There are, for example, things such as a player's attitude. If his attitude is not right, and he does not have time for children, I can't make him a Springbok. He must be a role model," the coach said.
De Villiers promised that the Springbok team would be selected on merit. "For me, the team has nothing to do with transformation. We will now see, for the first time, a team (chosen) on merit.
"I have no reservations. I do not pre-judge anyone. A player is good enough or he is not good enough. This is why I say we will see, for the first time in our life, a team on merit."
De Villiers has already had discussions with Springbok captain John Smit. However, he will start talking to other players only once he has permission from their Super 14 coaches, and then only in the presence of the coaches.
"I believe a player should retain the respect for the one he works with.
"If I talk to a player and tell him I am considering him for the first Test against Wales, you will see his form go down because he will think he is already part of the setup.
Players won't be confused
"He must first perform well in the Super 14 because that is equally important for South Africa.
"If coaches want me to talk to players in a group, I can do so, but not without their permission. And it must be in their presence.
"The little time I will have between the Super 14 and the Test matches is a concern to me.
"It is important to work well with the Super 14 coaches so that the players won't be confused and the coaches do not create expectations that do not exist."
No one will be certain of a place in the Springbok team, says De Villiers.
"What I'm going to tell the players is, 'Do your share because every Springbok match can be your last.'"
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Rugby
