The Boks have made some interesting selections ahead of their match against the Wallabies at Loftus on Saturday.

Francois Louw not included in match 22

For the 3rd match in a row, there is no fetcher flank.

This was even after de Villiers applauded Pococks performance in Brisbane and acknowledged his threat for this weeks game.

“They will rely on the a player like Quade Cooper to use the inside ball to bring big runners like Rocky Elsom into the game. We also cannot ignore the impact of David Pocock at the breakdown. He will definitely be a factor” said de Villiers.

“He is a very good player and we have made plans to ensure that he does not give us problems at the breakdowns.”

CONFIDENT COACH

The Springbok coach has supreme confidence in their game plan and tactics, even though they have been found wanting this season, and in are stark contrast to how the Bulls and Stormers have played.

“We will continue to focus on what we must do and how we want to play. We let ourselves down last weekend but if we can stay within our structures and limit the mistakes and lapses we will be successful” said de Villiers.

“How do you tell a guy who has played well that he is not part of the team, or is on the bench?” said de Villiers at Monday’s press conference.

“But that is part and parcel on my job as coach that sometimes I must make unpopular decisions. The reality is that there are only 15 places in the starting line-up and I have to do what I believe is best for the team.”

IS STEYN READY?

de Villiers has rushed Francois Steyn back into the starting line-up upon his return to the Springbok squad.

However his coach at Racing Metro in France (former French scrumhalf and coach??? Pierre Berbizier) believes that is a mistake.

Asked if he was ready for Test rugby, Berbizier replied “I don’t think so.”

“I said that to the South African team officials, whether Francois is ready for an international match against teams which are already at their fifth or sixth game.”

Instead of introducing Steyn from the bench, de Villiers wants him to start even though Gio Aplon is unlucky to be dropped.

As much as the rugby public want to see Steyn back, and the Boks rate his strength, goal-kicking and big boot; it’s his defensive ability, positional play, and lack of ability to glide around players like Aplon can that worries me most.

Gio Aplon out of Springbok match 22

“Gio did not do anything wrong but we have an opportunity to see Frans play. He also offers us another kicking option which will take some pressure off Morné Steyn” said de Villiers.

If that is the case and he wants to see what other players can offer Aplon could have been accommodated for an out of form Bryan Habana. After all surely de Villiers knows what he has in the experienced winger.

WHERE IS THE CONSISTENCY?

Similarly de Jongh could have played with either Jean de Villiers or Jaque Fourie. Instead de Jongh got the chop.

“Juan will be a great one day but Jaque Fourie is one already. He has played 60 Tests and, with the exception of his yellow card in Brisbane, has done well for us all season” said de Villiers.

“It was a difficult decision, and I am convinced Juan will become a world class player, but Jaque is an experienced player who did not let us down before” explained de Villiers.

Brisbane was a crucial match and de Villiers is not being hard enough on an experienced player who let the side down badly with his yellow card.

All we ask is for consistency in selection criteria and the same rules for every player. This is something that has not been evident during de Villiers’ reign.

While I think it’d make the Boks stronger, I feel sorry for the talent we are not utilising that must wonder what they have to do to be given a decent opportunity!