Kirsty McCann spearheads South Africa’snew-look rowing squad as they head into theuntested waters of international competitionin the next two weeks.
The fleet of five crews manned by 12 rowers that did battle at the Rio Olympics last year now stands at just two boats and five rowers, the accumulated effect of key retirements plus study-related commitments.
Lightweight McCann is the squad's best hope as they head into the yearly Henley regatta on The Thames next weekend, and the World Cup in Lucerne the weekend after.
Olympic silver medallist Lawrence Brittain has teamed up with David Hunt and Jake Green, survivors of the four that ended fourth in Rio. Joining them is veteran John Smith, the tallest member of the lightweight golden four at London 2012 who is moving up to heavyweight.
"I was sticking with the pair and then I put John into a sweep boat with Jake and they went very well," said national rowing coach Roger Barrow. "They clubbed Noddy [Hunt] and Lawrence in training. I realised I've got two very good pairs."
If there's a time to experiment, then the first year of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic cycle is it, although this isn't the first time Barrow has toyed with permutations. He disbanded the lightweight men's four nearly two years after the 2012 Games to create the double sculls with Smith and James Thompson, and they rewarded him by winning the 2014 world championship gold in a world record. They ended fourth in Rio.
Barrow admits a pair might have a better podium shot, partly because the four is likely to face stiffer competition with nations like Britain and Australia focusing on this class.
As it is, his training programme is gearing up for the world championships only in late September, as well as trying to fast-track a large pool of under-23 rowers.
"I've got four very good, motivated guys and at least they want to row together and there's a good vibe in the boat," said Barrow...