Johannesburg – A few months ago, Jacques Nienaber, the head coach of the Springboks, was questioned about an urgent matter: what are the plans for the No. 10 jersey?
The Bok mentor responded curtly with “there are plans” or words to that effect. Due to the recent retirement of Morne Steyn, the then-evolving legal issues of Elton Jantjies, and Johan Goosen’s ongoing injury, he was questioned about the lack of experienced bodies at flyhalf.
Prior to the issue involving Jantjies, it was believed that Handre Pollard and Jantjies would remain the Boks’ two halfbacks as they prepared for next year’s World Cup in France. As fate would have it, the likely prediction of their nonparticipation has materialized.
Prior to his long-term injury, Pollard was horribly out of form, but Jantjies had only played a few minutes of rugby before being thrown back into Test level play, which was evident. Thankfully, the Boks have had Damian Willemse to fall back on, but if he were to go injured, it would be more of a calamity than a problem at No. 10.
Nienaber and his think tank should share some of the blame for their shortsightedness and possibly rather conceited response to the situation. They were unwilling to look past Pollard and Jantjies.
Goosen was still recovering from a significant knee injury at the time, and although being included in the squad for the previous Wales Test series, he never played. Nonetheless, Goosen appears to be the favorite candidate for promotion to incumbent.
This weekend, his fitness will be put to the test against the Lions in the opening encounter of the URC. However, he will be 31 in France the following year, so his prospective return to the Bok jersey will likely be a brief but passionate romance.
Chris Smith, Goosen’s teammate, has also been mentioned as an option. The 28-year-prior old’s season was remarkable. If Goosen is the chosen starter at No. 10 for the Bulls this season, he may have limited opportunities, which loops back to the Boks’ refusal to recognize that form earlier this year.
The same can be stated about the Stormers’ Manie Libbok.
Curwin Bosch is the alternative choice.
The Sharks man has some experience with the national team, and a significant amount of time, effort, and funds have been invested in his development at his franchise. As a result of his inconsistent play, one could claim that he was one of the reasons the Durban-based team failed despite their considerable riches last season.
However, Bosch has a real opportunity to make an impression if he can recover his self-confidence. We are all aware of his tremendous abilities.
Thus, we reach Jordan Hendrikse. It won’t be long before the 21-year-old is pounding on the Bok door, but realistically, it won’t be till after 2023. However, if an injured Goosen can be co-opted into the Boks, why can’t the young Lions man be given the same development freedom on the End of Year Tour?