Coach Heyneke Meyer will have two big decisions to ponder this week – who to play at outside centre and who to choose as captain against Scotland.
Jean de Villiers was both centre and skipper but he has been forced out of the World Cup with a fractured jaw leaving both positions open to change for Saturday’s clash against the Scots.
Lock Victor Matfield should be the obvious choice as captain – as one of the squad’s two vice-captains along with flank Schalk Burger – but he is not certain to play. Also, it’s telling that, as of late yesterday, Meyer had not officially named his captain for the remainder of the tournament.
Matfield is struggling with a hamstring strain and could miss the crucial Pool B encounter at St James’ Park.
In that scenario Burger would seem the only choice, but there is no certainty that he will start either.
If Willem Alberts comes through a fitness test today the burly flank might be thrown into the fray against the Scots immediately.
Burger would then have to move to the bench as he covers all three loose-forward positions.
Also, it makes more sense to start Alberts in case he breaks down.
If he were on the bench and one of the other loose-forwards were injured early in the match, Alberts would have to get through almost an entire game.
If Alberts is going to be involved, it would have to be as a starter.
In that scenario, Meyer would have to appoint a new captain and the only candidate is number eight Duane Vermeulen.
It would be a big call from Meyer to look to a new captain at this stage, but Vermeulen has the respect of the entire squad.
He also came through 80 minutes against Samoa against all expectations, proving he is physically ready.
If Vermeulen is made captain, it might only be for the Scotland match due to current circumstances, but it might also be a masterstroke. Few players are as pragmatic as Vermeulen, who prizes direct, no-frills rugby and taking points on offer, rather than a flashy, crowd-pleasing, but risky approach.
As for outside centre, there is clearly thought being given to using wing JP Pietersen in that channel.
Jan Serfontein, who replaced De Villiers, is an inside centre. So is Damian de Allende while Jesse Kriel, is only six games into his role as a number 13 after playing most of his rugby at fullback.
Assistant coach Johann van Graan said consideration would be given to all candidates for the centre berth this week.
“We have a lot of options in this team,” said Van Graan.
“Jesse Kriel has had a great first season at this level, but JP Pietersen is an option.
“Jan Serfontein and JP have played at centre together before and we’ll make a call later in the week.”
Meyer walks tightrope
Jean de Villiers was both centre and skipper but he has been forced out of the World Cup with a fractured jaw leaving both positions open to change for Saturday’s clash against the Scots.
Lock Victor Matfield should be the obvious choice as captain – as one of the squad’s two vice-captains along with flank Schalk Burger – but he is not certain to play. Also, it’s telling that, as of late yesterday, Meyer had not officially named his captain for the remainder of the tournament.
Matfield is struggling with a hamstring strain and could miss the crucial Pool B encounter at St James’ Park.
In that scenario Burger would seem the only choice, but there is no certainty that he will start either.
If Willem Alberts comes through a fitness test today the burly flank might be thrown into the fray against the Scots immediately.
Burger would then have to move to the bench as he covers all three loose-forward positions.
Also, it makes more sense to start Alberts in case he breaks down.
If he were on the bench and one of the other loose-forwards were injured early in the match, Alberts would have to get through almost an entire game.
If Alberts is going to be involved, it would have to be as a starter.
In that scenario, Meyer would have to appoint a new captain and the only candidate is number eight Duane Vermeulen.
It would be a big call from Meyer to look to a new captain at this stage, but Vermeulen has the respect of the entire squad.
He also came through 80 minutes against Samoa against all expectations, proving he is physically ready.
If Vermeulen is made captain, it might only be for the Scotland match due to current circumstances, but it might also be a masterstroke. Few players are as pragmatic as Vermeulen, who prizes direct, no-frills rugby and taking points on offer, rather than a flashy, crowd-pleasing, but risky approach.
As for outside centre, there is clearly thought being given to using wing JP Pietersen in that channel.
Jan Serfontein, who replaced De Villiers, is an inside centre. So is Damian de Allende while Jesse Kriel, is only six games into his role as a number 13 after playing most of his rugby at fullback.
Assistant coach Johann van Graan said consideration would be given to all candidates for the centre berth this week.
“We have a lot of options in this team,” said Van Graan.
“Jesse Kriel has had a great first season at this level, but JP Pietersen is an option.
“Jan Serfontein and JP have played at centre together before and we’ll make a call later in the week.”
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