De Villers says South Africa front liners wrecked
Source: Agencies |
July 14, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SOUTH Africa coach Peter de Villiers has defended his decision to leave 21 front line players at home for the Tri-Nations away leg, saying they were physically wrecked after the expanded Super Rugby season.
The SANZAR franchise competition included 15 teams and was played over 21 weeks versus last year's 16 while the intensity of more derby games exposed players to extra physical demands.
De Villiers last week pulled 21 leading players, who are likely to form the core of the Springboks' World Cup defence, out of the Tri-Nations away leg.
They play tests against Australia in Sydney on July 23 and New Zealand in Wellington on July 30.
"Super glue won't even help those players. It was the sensible decision to rest them. For one moment of greatness, why bugger up a player's future?" De Villiers said.
"CJ van der Linde has a really bad groin and Johann Muller's hamstring is even worse but we will take them overseas," he added. "So can you imagine how badly injured the players who are staying behind are?"
The coach, who did raise some eyebrows by including hooker and captain John Smit in the touring party, said he was confident the 2007 World Cup winner will be back to his best at this year's edition in New Zealand in September.
"After those two matches overseas, John Smit will be where I want him to be. He hasn't been used properly this year.
"I believe he's gained an extra year for himself after a neck operation last year, a great off-season and great pre-season preparation. He is fresh, raring to go and he just needs game time.
The SANZAR franchise competition included 15 teams and was played over 21 weeks versus last year's 16 while the intensity of more derby games exposed players to extra physical demands.
De Villiers last week pulled 21 leading players, who are likely to form the core of the Springboks' World Cup defence, out of the Tri-Nations away leg.
They play tests against Australia in Sydney on July 23 and New Zealand in Wellington on July 30.
"Super glue won't even help those players. It was the sensible decision to rest them. For one moment of greatness, why bugger up a player's future?" De Villiers said.
"CJ van der Linde has a really bad groin and Johann Muller's hamstring is even worse but we will take them overseas," he added. "So can you imagine how badly injured the players who are staying behind are?"
The coach, who did raise some eyebrows by including hooker and captain John Smit in the touring party, said he was confident the 2007 World Cup winner will be back to his best at this year's edition in New Zealand in September.
"After those two matches overseas, John Smit will be where I want him to be. He hasn't been used properly this year.
"I believe he's gained an extra year for himself after a neck operation last year, a great off-season and great pre-season preparation. He is fresh, raring to go and he just needs game time.
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