Four trump cards the Springboks need for Cardiff

There seems to be widespread agreement that the Springboks’ Test against Wales on Saturday will be coach Allister Coetzee’s last.

Various reports have alleged that the performance clause in his contract stipulates he needs to have a win record of 65% by the end of his second year.

However, even if South Africa beat the Dragons, his win percentage will only be 48%.

As a result, there’s a school of thought that Coetzee should give several rookies a taste of international rugby this weekend.

Yet given that several experienced men – Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw and Beast Mtawarira – will be missing, will Coetzee take the bait?

Here are four players who realistically need to be considered.

Warrick Gelant (for Andries Coetzee)

Warrick Gelant. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Gallo Images)

In just 20 minutes against Italy, the gifted Bulls fullback – who came on as wing – beat three defenders and broke a tackle with his first run in international rugby.

In the last six minutes, he twice almost collected chips forward to score tries.

This is the type of impact that Gelant makes.

He has supreme game-breaking skills and, under John Mitchell at Loftus, has already been working hard to become more solid and versatile.

Andries Coetzee’s limitations have been exposed on this tour, especially in the tactical kicking department, and has been far too one-dimensional on the attack.

Of course, Gelant could also be picked on the wing (possibly for Courtnall Skosan) but it’s not his natural position anymore.

Lukhanyo Am (for Jesse Kriel)

Lukhanyo Am. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Gallo Images)

Allister Coetzee’s reluctance to promote the Sharks midfielder betrays his supposed preference for intelligent players.

Before this tour, the Bok coach waxed lyrical over Am being “a  very clever” centre.

It’s therefore weird that Kriel, an enforcer rather than a player with finesse, has been preferred for so long.

Kriel has played decently the past two weeks in partnership with the classy Francois Venter.

So shifting him aside for Am is not about form but a case of already knowing what the Boks have in Kriel.

Am is a distributor, carrier, tight defender and useful scavenger at the breakdowns and should add a far bigger skillset to the midfield.

Pick him now!

Rudy Paige (for Ross Cronje)

It may sound rather simplistic but it’s still amazing how valuable something as obvious as a good pass and slick service is to a scrumhalf’s game.

That’s why Paige deserves his chance for a start in Cardiff.

When he came on against Italy the past weekend, the Bulls halfback immediately made in an impact.

He launched two excellent tactical kicks, took on defenders with his small frame and passed snappily.

Paige, despite his lack of game time in general, is known to be the scrumhalf with the best service in South Africa.

In a game that’s expected to be quicker, his presence could be ideal.

Dan du Preez (for Duane Vermeulen)

Dan du Preez. (Photo by Gallo Images)

One of the benefits of having the experienced Vermeulen back in the Springbok setup the past two weeks was the fact that he showed how important it is to specialise in the No 8 jersey.

Once he was back, the Bok loose trio immediately looked more balanced.

Coetzee and co have this year tried to compensate for Warren Whiteley’s absence by various flankers out of position for the role.

It’s a strategy that simply didn’t pay off.

The promising Du Preez is one of just a few fit No 8s in the country and has made his Bok debut on this tour.

They need to back him.

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