Meyer's Big Springbok ball-carrier cupboard is bare

IN SUCCESSFUL years the Springbok loose trio has always been magnificent and in the lean seasons the back row has still been magnificent.

South Africa has a virtual patent on producing world-class loose forwards. Coaches and fans take for granted that when they're wringing their hands in angst about finding a quality flyhalf, fullback or tighthead prop, they can always relax when selecting flanks and a No 8.

But this season the cupboard is a little bare for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. It's hardly a major crisis, but in terms of experience, he doesn't have an embarrassment of talent to choose from.

Big ball-carriers, an essential component of a Bok back row, are in short supply. Schalk Burger's season, and perhaps career, is over. Juan Smith has retired, Duane Vermeulen will miss the June tests, Willem Alberts is always one tweaked groin or hamstring away from the casualty ward and Danie Rossouw is part of the past and not the future.

And all of those players possess lineout capabilities as well as strong defensive qualities. In a Bok loose trio at least two of the three have to be able to fulfil the vital roles of ball-carrier, defender, lineout option and link player. This year the Boks might have to gamble to tick all the boxes.

Marcell Coetzee carries the ball well, but lacks lineout prowess and real attacking class. Siya Kolisi ticks almost every box but the lineout column, while Lappies Labuschagne is a superb lineout option and attacker in the wider channels.

Pierre Spies is also limited when carrying the ball up as a first receiver. Alberts can certainly be a wrecking ball close to the rucks but his questionable fitness means his role could be as an impact player off the bench.

Assuming Francois Louw will fill the openside role and Spies is given the No8 jersey, the identity of blindside could be the most important question for the Boks in 2013. They need a first receiver to carry the ball over the advantage line and the only candidate at this stage is the Bulls' Arno Botha.