More questions and curt smiles from Springboks squad announcement

Allister Coetzee, the springbok coach announced a 31 man squad for the 3 test series against France in June. Whilst many are desperately trying to forget the despicable form of 2016 this team certainly does raise eyebrows. From the captain to the return of several bok veterans we’ll look at the makeup of Coetzee’s squad for the June Internationals.

· Warren Whiteley is a good captain no doubt but his appointment into such a position creates its own problems. I’m not sure if anyone had managed to get to Coetzee and whisper to him that a Bok captain should be undisputed in his position. Warren is a good option at number 8 but when Duane Vermeulen is now on the same team sheet it does present a conundrum. Vermeulen, once a hot candidate to be skipper as well is naturally rated ahead of Whiteley by many for his presence on the field that Whiteley just can’t compete with. Appointing Whiteley as the bok captain and having Vermeulen on the bench is reminiscent of the same problem that the 2011 bok squad had with Bismarck Du Plessis and John Smit. Even if Coetzee tries to accommodate Whiteley by putting either him or Vermeulen on the flanker this has detrimental effects on the squad.

· Bringing back a few experienced players to the bok camp is a step in the right direction. It creates the right blend of youth and experience that has been lacking in the camp. Frans Steyn provides a reliable cover for several positions that have plagued the Springboks because of inconsistent players and injuries. He also adds an imposing figure that has been lacking in Coetzee’s frequent preference in Damian De Allende. Francois Houggard is another one that will calm the nerves in the halfbacks. With Faf De Klerk out of favour for inconsistency that has cost him a starting berth even at the Lions, Houggard will be poised to bring that form he’s displayed for the Worcester Warriors to the Springboks.

· Fans spent the whole of 2016 voicing their concern about Coetzee’s implementation or rather lack of the form and reward situation. Several players deserved to be awarded with a bok callout but alas this was not to be. It’s at the very least comforting to see players like Courtnall Skosan, Lukhanyo Am and Andries Coetzee in the mix due to the fine form they’ve displayed in Super rugby.

Springbok squad for the French Series:

Forwards – Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ruan Dreyer, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Oupa Mohoje, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Lizo Gqoboka, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley (c).

Backs – Lukhanyo Am, Andries Coetzee, Ross Cronjé, Damian de Allende, Francois Hougaard, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Rudy Paige, Raymond Rhule, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Frans Steyn