Rugby this weekend

Jake White wants to set the record straight. After a Rugby Pass article published last week challenged the 2007 World Cup winning...

While the Springboks continue to assert themselves on the world stage, the doubters and skeptics can be ignored. “We must also think of the sponsors and the fans. No. All they care is that the country’s best fly-half was unavailable for the Test [against Wales] at Loftus. We have to think of the fans as well. Two of them – Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing and replacement lock Ruan Nortje – are coached by White at the Bulls. Many have argued that this is a sign of the strength in depth within South African rugby. And the Springboks climbed to the top of the world rankings. And after the Bulls pulled off a remarkable upset by beating Leinster in Dublin in the semi-finals, it would appear that the pipeline is in rude health. There is no denying that the Currie Cup has lost some of its shine. If you’re a young lock in South Africa and you’re born at the same time as RG Snyman, Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth, well that’s tough luck. “Who would continue to invest in the game if every franchise and province didn’t have a single Springbok? Who would want to carry on watching and supporting their teams? But I was pointing out that yes, we might look at the Springboks now and be thrilled that they’re performing and winning, but where is the next generation coming from? That last sentiment was echoed by White after his Bulls team succumbed to the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship final. From my point of view something is broken and unless we fix it we could see rugby in South Africa implode.”