For once it appears as if coaches are working together for the greater good of South African rugby, as the Springboks vie to become the first side to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup.

Springbok conditioning coach Neels Liebel has said that contracted Springbok players are likely to be rested for during the 2010 Currie Cup.

One could see towards the end of 2009, many of South Africa’s leading players such as Fourie du Preez, Victor Matfield, Morne Steyn etc were jaded and not performing at their best.

Resting at the end of 2006, and during the 2007 international season worked for the Boks at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the strategy looks like it will be repeated for the 2011 title defence.

All 5 Super 14 coaches appear to be co-operating with the Springbok management to manage the players during this year’s Super 14 and Currie Cup competitions. It has taken some time to achieve, but the provincial coaches have pledged their support in ensuring the Boks get the rest they require/are requested.

“We are hoping that our players get some time off during the Super 14, but I can understand if they don’t. The coaches want the Boks to do well, but at the end of the day, they want to win and their jobs are on the line. We are planning to pull the 26 contracted players out of the Currie Cup this year, a plan that has not yet been approved by the relevant authorities and stakeholders. If it is approved, we will go through with it” said Liebel.

The plan is for the top Boks to be pulled out for most of the end of year tour and possibly some of the 2011 Super 15 and Tri-nations. This policy was met with some criticism in 2007, so it remains to be seen just exactly what is allowed to transpire.

The Super 14 coaches were asked for their opinion on resting the Springboks.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has said “If I were Peter de Villiers, I would request that Springboks be withdrawn from the Currie Cup and possibly also the end of year tour. They are not tired during the Super 14.”

With only Juan Smith and Heinrich Brussow affected from the Cheetahs, this policy would certainly help Naka Drotske against his rival teams however, so no wonder he supports it! The teams affected the most would be the Bulls and Sharks, and the Stormers/Western Province.

The Lions are unlikely to be seriously affected and with coach Dick Muir on the Springbok coaching team, their full co-operation comes as no surprise.

“We’re all working towards a national solution. I think one has to consider individual cases and not make any blanket decisions” said Muir.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has been part of the Springbok coaching team in the past, and is also likely to be very co-operative.

“We will consider the request depending on our situation. I’m aware of the bigger picture and don’t know which players Peter has earmarked” said Coetzee.

Sharks coach John Plumtree suggested he’d agree to requests but that players liked to play.

“It makes it much easier if you have depth. My experience is also that players prefer to play and do not like to rest. New Zealand learned some hard lessons by removing players from the Super 14″ said Plumtree.

The Bulls provide the bulk of the Springbok side, and whilst they are affected heavily from resting players, they are prepared to serve the national interest and bigger picture.

“We support Peter de Villiers and I have a good relationship with him. I’m sure we’ll have a good discussion about how players should be managed. We see the bigger picture” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

The co-operation of the coaches will ensure the Springboks remain successful and have a great chance of defending their World Champion title in 2011. At the moment all coaches are in agreement and say they’ll co-operate. However this is South African rugby, and when the pressure goes on and coaches feel the heat, anything can happen! I’m hoping for once we finally have the national interests at heart first.