On Saturday 16th June 2007, the Springboks kicked off their Tri Nations campaign, against a full strength Wallaby side in Newlands, Cape Town. As the first real test of the Springboks strength, against a highly rated world class side, with a long history of cohesion in the side and among the management team, this was a much awaited clash. Speculation was rife as to which was the better side and who indeed would be called upon to do team duty on the day. I was pleasantly surprised by the selections as the team looked closer to what I would consider to be the best, with 1 or 2 minor exceptions. I, personally, was happy to see the combination of the Shark’s scrumhalf and flyhalf.
Personally, I don’t think Ashwin Willemse is a first choice winger and I’m pleased that they left Bob Skinstad out. Sorry, but I feel that once you have had the chance of playing for the Springboks and then you leave the country for whatever reason and once you have played elsewhere for a couple of seasons, then you forfeit all future opportunities of ever playing for your country again. Especially when you captained the national team, ran a lousy campaign, were off form for the season, but continually selected and then get back in, after several years away – no ways. I don’t agree with that. I don’t care how talented the player is. I feel he has had his chances and there is someone else just as deserving, just as good and more patriotic. I was, of course, very pleased to see a side comprising of mostly Sharks players. I would have liked to see the young Frans Steyn start, but had to be satisfied with the fact that he was at least on the bench.