News

Eloff`s plea to Bok selectors

Monday 06th October 2008

Lion king: Cobus Grobbelaar

Pick the players who have shown good form in the Currie Cup. That's Eugene Eloff's message to South Africa's selectors, who will announce their Springbok team for the end-of-year tour to Wales, Scotland and England om Saturday October 25, following the Currie Cup final.

"The one thing I would like see happening with the Springboks' end-of-the year tour is the selectors reward players for performing in the Currie Cup," said Lions' coach Eloff.

"We know who the star players are and who will play in next year's Tri-Nations, so give the senior players a break, especially those who have played in all the matches (this year).

"Let's pick some young blood. This country is full of young talent and there are many young players putting their hands up."

There are several players from the Lions' ranks who have caught the eye this season.

Eloff named prop Heinke van der Merwe, hooker Willie Wepener, loose forward Cobus Grobbelaar, full-back Louis Ludik and scrum-half Jano Vermaak as players he thought were in with a shout.

"I know the nation and the supporters want the Springboks to win all the time, but sometimes you have to lose to win," said Eloff.

"Why blood players in the Tri-Nations when it's far easier to do that against so-called weaker nations."

One Lions player whos has made an impact in recent games is fly-half Earl Rose, but Eloff says the pivot needed more time before he could make the step up to the Springbok side.

"We saw what happened to Chliiboy (Ralepelle)," said Eloff.

"He was the best hooker in the world (in his age-group) but his talent had to be nurtured. Earl needs to play one or two more seasons. It's all about timing in his case and he should not be pushed too hard, too soon."