We are now in the most crucial period ahead of the Rugby World Cup in the UK. There is less than a month left before the prestigious event, which draws the attention of the world, is staged. In this time, the confidence of the players, cohesion of the squad, medical staff and input of professional people outside the team are raised up a notch.The preliminary step to the semifinal is not the first pool game, but rather the selection of your squad. When deciding on the chosen few, the selection panel has to ensure it covers all angles in terms of the challenges that lie in wait.There must be no sentimental decisions because cold, hard facts set the tone for the team to achieve its desired aims.The 31 players selected to represent South Africa - to be announced by coach Heyneke Meyer on Friday - must be prepared to serve the team objective. As such, I would explore the role and responsibilities of the individual within the team dynamic. I would ascertain what each player's individual goal is and whether it aligns with the team's ambitions. I would also debate with my fellow selectors if the composition of the squad is such that the off-field inspirations closely align with the on-field motivations.Furthermore, it is crucial to understand each player's psychological profile and whether they complement one another in terms of what we intend to achieve.In addition, you must ensure you are in possession of all-round support to enhance the strengths of the team that represents the day-to-day social responsibilities of our country and its people.This is not a time to copy, follow or have personal agendas. We have to rope in the best available people, such as Tim Noakes, whom I called upon. If the rest of the world makes use of our intellectual properties, why don't we? More investments are going into the make-up of the playing and support personnel, and the professionalism of the sport will place you on the back foot if you don't embrace the best available research.We might be ahead on the field of play because of our natural talent and awareness of the game from a young age, but can we compete with the best countries as far as high- performance sport is concerned?While every team springs a few surprise World Cup selections, when the Springbok squad is announced on Friday, don't expect too many bolts from the blue. Meyer will stick to the tried and tested.Many of our players are fighting for survival, and I believe we have to instil confidence in them first and build some trust. However, what you can expect to see is two full sets of front rows, two specialist scrumhalves, flyhalves and eighthmen, an extra scrumhalf and hooker who can also play in another position.Four specialist locks will board the plane to the UK, along with three flankers, three wings, two fullbacks and four centres, two of whom will be able to operate either as an auxiliary wing or a supplementary flyhalf.Granted, there is value in utility players coming off the bench and adding impetus - but as a professional coach, you have to start with specialists in every game and in each position to harness the confidence of the team in the structures moving forward into the tournament.The Springbok squad announcement for the Rugby World Cup will be aired on Friday at 5.30pm on Supersport 1...