The hits and misses of the Springbok squad

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee on Tuesday named a Springbok squad mixing the good with the confusing.

He undoubtedly made the right decision in naming Warren Whiteley as the national side’s new captain but who else did he pick that can be considered a “win”.

And who were his stranger picks?

THE HITS

Frans Steyn:

The 30-year-old utility back still divides opinion because he’s one of South Africa’s more misunderstood players.

He’s been switched around too much in his career but there’s enough evidence to suggest he’s a fine player when there’s a specific role for him.

Steyn knew where he stood under former Bok coaches Jake White and Heyneke Meyer and repaid them with good performances.

Given his fall-out with Saru four years ago, it must say something about his commitment that he wants to play international rugby again.

Lukhanyo Am:

The 23-year-old Sharks centre has been one of the finds of the Super Rugby campaign.

He probably won’t play in the series against France barring injuries but don’t for one moment think Am’s inclusion is politically motivated.

He’s thrived under Sharks coach Robert du Preez’s more practical game plan, combining excellent defence with good playmaking skills.

In fact, Am’s expected to play the kind of rugby at the Sharks that one can expect at Test level too – and that makes him a good fit for the Boks in future.

Duane Vermeulen:

Yes, he’s already 30 but Vermeulen hasn’t lost his edge.

South African rugby isn’t blessed with experienced, big ball-carrying flankers and that’s why his availability is good news,

In time, promising youngsters like Jean-Luc du Preez and Ruan Ackermann will come through yet for now fans should rejoice the plan to let Vermeulen play No 7.

He’ll be a fine senior player.

THE MISSES

Lood de Jager:

Granted, the towering lock has been playing a poor Bulls side this year though the fact that De Jager has failed in the last 18 months to regain his form from 2015 tells a story.

Either he’s in a really long slump or his ability is being overestimated.

Nonetheless, how he’s being picked above players like the Sharks’ Ruan Botha is a mystery.

Damian de Allende:

There’s precious little science to his selection.

The mercurial midfielder has only played 28 minutes since his return from an ankle injury when the Bulls’ Burger Odendaal and Lions’ Harold Vorster have been performing with compelling impact.

It’s not as if De Allende had a storming season in 2016, so this pick seems to have been made with loyalty and familiarity in mind rather than form.

Rudy Paige:

Yet another selection where form clearly wasn’t important.

The Bulls scrumhalf has been treated badly since being unexpectedly picked for the 2015 World Cup and has lost much of his confidence.

It hasn’t returned recently and the must-win series also isn’t the place to hope it does.