All rest, no play can make a dull Bok

30 October 2014 - 02:01 By Sbu Mjikeliso
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Captain Jean de Villiers has played a huge role in improving the Springboks' discipline, but it's an area of their play that coach Heyneke Meyer says needs more work.
Captain Jean de Villiers has played a huge role in improving the Springboks' discipline, but it's an area of their play that coach Heyneke Meyer says needs more work.

Battle-hardened Springbok captain Jean de Villiers should be managed carefully during next year's Super 15, ahead of the World Cup - but not pampered like a Maltese poodle.

That is according to two Springbok World Cup centres and Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, who confirmed that the South African Rugby Union and Western Province had agreed to rest De Villiers and other contracted Boks.

The skipper is the glue in Heyneke Meyer's team and it was probably a blessing that he missed six matches at the back end of the Super 15, plus the three winter incoming Tests against Wales and Scotland. He returned during the Rugby Championship fresh.

Meyer pointed out yesterday that he would go into the tour of Europe looking to strengthen his best team for next year's showpiece in England, making the availability of De Villiers all the more crucial.

Years of wrangling have led up to the deal between Saru and the unions that key figures will be managed in as smart a manner as All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

"Contracted Springboks will definitely be available for Super rugby," Coetzee said. "I don't think you can take a Springbok squad out of all forms of competition and then expect them to go play at a World Cup. So they will be available.

"But there are agreements that have already been discussed and we'll look to give all the Boks a chance to rest over the course of the tournament."

Former Bok Kaya Malotana said a balance between rest and workload should be struck to allow De Villiers to gather enough form and confidence, but not at the expense of the engine.

"The rest period would have to be calculated to give him enough time to get back on the park to get used to the rugby contact."

De Wet Barry, the inside centre of the Class of 2003, had misgivings.

"I'm not sure if the best way is for him to be totally away from rugby. Manage him properly but keep him playing. He must rest but not be sidelined for all the games.

"We've seen mixed success with regard to that," Barry said.

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