Boks make priorities clear
Reigning world champions South Africa have made their intentions extremely clear after announcing their Tri-Nations away-leg squad, with 21 members of the preliminary World Cup party missing out. The decision to send a young, untested squad to compete against Australia and New Zealand this month has drawn plenty of criticism from South Africas opponents, accusing the Springboks of resting players for the World Cup later this year.
South Africas team manager Andy Marinos has countered back though, claiming the omitted players are all either injured or not fit enough after a long domestic season. Those following the 2011 Rugby World Cup odds will no doubt understand the decision.
Team doctor Craig Roberts has backed up his manager, revealing the long injury list, with more than a few names of players that were previously thought to have been fully fit.
Schalk Burger and Duane Vermeulen recently sustained serious injuries and will definitely not be ready to take part in the Tri-Nations, he said.
There are a number of others who have been playing through the Super 15 championship with chronic injuries and need rehabilitation now to avoid the risk of breaking down with long-term problems in the near future.
The squad that will have a new look three-quarter line as well as changes in the front and second-rows, is missing key players like Mourne Steyn, skipper John Smit and Pierre Spies. In all there are 13 forwards that have been ruled out of the three-team tournament as well as the high profile members of the back-line. Those placing rugby free bets will be keeping an eye on fitness levels.
The Tri-Nations has come at a particularly awkward time for the three teams involved. With only a matter of weeks between the end of the tournament and the World Cup starting, all the coaching staffs will be desperate to keep their squads fit. While the other teams will be taking a risk playing strong squads, South Africa look determined to focus on defending the Webb Ellis trophy they won back in Paris 2007. It may be bringing the Springboks some criticism now but if they win the World Cup again, then it will be a decision that will be justified.
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