The defeat against Wales brought the curtain down on a dismal season for the Springboks. The Welsh Test was arguably the biggest disappointment of the end-of- year tour because there was an expectation that the young players would right the wrongs. I felt that the Cardiff clash was the right time for Allister Coetzee to field some of the less experienced players against an average Welsh side that had barely beaten Japan. Four debutants were drafted into the Springbok match-day 23.While South Africa boasts some of the most dynamic rugby players from a physical standpoint - there isn't another No 12 in world rugby at the moment like Rohan Janse van Rensburg - the Springboks' record eighth defeat this year underlined the fact that it's extremely difficult to jump levels.Barnstorming performances during Currie Cup and Super rugby tournaments do not guarantee success on the Test stage.Introducing fringe players was evidently the last throw of the dice on a disheartening November tour that produced the Springboks' first winless northern sojourn since 2002. Debate is now raging as to whether South African rugby players have lost their edge.As a collective, we are in crisis, but individually we possess some of the best rugby players in the world. If you enjoy watching schoolboy rugby, like I do, you will know that there are kids coming through who are unbelievably gifted athletes. As such, it's about an ability to build a new team moving forward.There is no question that SA Rugby urgently needs to introduce a consistency of selection, and the way to do that is by offering a core group of young players national contracts to keep them in the country for at least the next three years.In the forwards, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager and Malcolm Marx are mobile, skilful players who will be at the peak of their powers when Japan hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup.What we know emphatically from professional sport and business environments is that continuity is king. In all areas, stability is required. Ex-Bok coach Nick Mallett was outspoken about change having to come from the top.The men in suits at SA Rugby have big decisions to make in the months ahead and need to have an end-goal in mind.However, more than anything, the senior national team requires at least two years with the same playing group under a committed captain.I appreciate the contribution Adriaan Strauss has made to Springbok rugby but I believe that a leader has to be in a good position himself in order to lead effectively. There is no way that a player who is retiring from Test rugby is as motivated as a player who's not. The reality is that you just want to get it over and done with.I'm not pointing fingers at Strauss, but his decision to retire from national duty is curious considering that he will continue his provincial career with the Bulls for the next three years...