Brussow, Coetzee on Bok standby
Amid speculation about several Springbok injury concerns, many of the players who were reduced to tears at the team’s Umhlanga hotel after they failed to make the 31-man cut will be holding out hope that they could still be winging their way to world rugby’s premier event.
Meyer, the Springbok coach, mentioned the two names in passing when asked to comment on his loose forward selection.
“Heinrich and Marcell Coetzee will be on standby, so there is a chance that they could still feature at the World Cup,” said Meyer.
“They could yet make an impact. Heinrich has played brilliantly this year. He really proved me wrong, but I can only take 31 players to the World Cup. I wish I could take seven loose forwards to the World Cup.”
On Sunday, Springbok team spokesman De Jongh Borchardt told the African News Agency (ANA) that there is no official standby list.
“All the players who were part of the extended squad are on stand-by as well as others who are eligible. For instance, if we lose two flyhalves, we will be forced to go wider than the training squad. There isn’t an official list which will be published, though,” said Borchardt.
One of the considerations around the selection was the rule regarding tournament-ending injuries. Replacements may only join the squad after a 48-hour stand-down period.
“Every single position now needs cover because of the 48-hour rule for replacements,” said Meyer. “It meant we had to look at all the scenarios and have a reserve for every position.
“If a guy falls sick on the night before a game, you cannot just bring in a replacement. So that is why you need players who can play a couple of positions and I am happy with the balance of the squad, even though we were a bit light in the backs.”
Meyer said he had taken great strain in the days leading up to the moment when he informed players about their World Cup fate.
“The past few days have been trying and emotional for me,” said Meyer. “All these guys are good enough. So, to deliver that news that they haven’t made the squad is tough.
“Guys were bursting into tears when they found out they were in the group of 31. Others were crying when they found out they had not made it. As a coach, you want to help players realise their dreams. It is hard, the margins are so small.
“What was great to see is that most of those guys stood up and said: Listen we’re very jealous, but we support you guys, you don’t just represent the country, but you also represent us. We are behind you, and when there are injuries, we will be ready’.
“I see these players more than I see my own kids, and they see me probably more than they see their own fathers. You’re not working with numbers, you are working with people.”
ANA