SA and resting players

[Dutchy]

I wonder if the top 22 agree fully with this move. If these new boys come over and rip it up the top 22 will find it hard to retain their spots in the squad. Its a bad move the be SARU board.

 

[JJ]

their players seemed to need a rest - they'll be back. I think this team will be pretty comepetitive, especially against Aust who are now on a hiding to nothing, especially after the administrative squealing

 

[lockyno1]

In a world cup year it is the best decision they have made imo. NZ did the same by resting their players from the Super 14, Australia did the same with Tuquri missing the Wales tests

 

[Dutchy]

1 player is different to 20 players Locky

 

[lockyno1]

Not really it is the same principle- making them right for the World Cup. If they have worked out their combinations, give me a reason why the should send their best 22 in a World Cup year! In the end the World Cup is the thing that matters. And what about last year when Gregan was "rested"..look the point is most top sides "rest" players, near world cups and it will continue. Plus their 2nd XV is probally better than our top side anyway!

 

[Dutchy]

If they have worked out their combinations, give me a reason why the should send their best 22 in a World Cup year!

The top 22 wouldnt be happy about it because what they are doing gives the top 22 players a chance of not being picked. I know if I was being forced to be rested I would be very unhappy with the board.

 

[lockyno1]

The top 22 will be picked don't be silly. The reason for this tour is to try and gather some form of backup players to their squad for the World Cup. If a player was not guaranteed a spot then he would not have been rested. But all of their top 22 will be there.

 

[Dutchy]

What if some of these replacements come out here and absolutely rip it up hey locky...give the selectors no other choice but to pick them. Orig players wouldnt be happy.

 

[lockyno1]

That is what the 30 man squad is for- to find those 7/8 players that they need. Who starts at the world cup in their top 22 is still up in the air but the main objective is to find those extra few players they need for their world cup campaign. The original players are guaranteed a world cup place, whether they are in the top 22 will depend on their Currie Cup form and their other tests leading up to the world cup.

 

[Dutchy]

Its still wrong to "rest" your best players whether they agree or disagree, from what Ive heard most of them are upset about being left out.


Over it - Union sucks anyway

 

[lockyno1]

Doubt they would be upset in the end it is a 20 hour flight both ways, why waste their time. Get ready for the world cup-that is their main concern. It may be "wrong" so to speak but every country does it- whether that be 1 player, 10 players or 20 players. The world cup is the only trophy that matters this year!

 

[ozbash]

The world cup is the only trophy that matters this year!

dead right locky.

the SA coach said on tele last night that the injury concerns were legit, so who knows.
you got to take them at face value. They still have a very impressive squad.

 

[lockyno1]

Spot on, look it isn't ideal but if there is ANY and I mean ANY injury concern then teams will withdraw those players until the world cup. Fair enough as well.