The English Rugby Team – the Roses – has “captured” three South African Rugby nationals Players from competing against their home country. In the case of the trio of Duhan Van Der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and Benhard Janse van Rensburg based in the United Kingdom they competed in the Junior Boks at a time when SA Rugby had their U20s listed as their designated second team between 2015 and 2017. None of the three had as yet made it into the capped senior-level Springboks, but they have not been able to become available to the English under the five-year residency rule because of their U20s international appearances.
The small group of players who want the ‘captured’ ruling altered also include ex-age-grade internationals from Wales and Italy. Those countries had their U20s listed as their official second team from 2015 to 2017, as well as South Africa. This ‘captured’ eligibility situation is stark when contrasted to the Scottish fortunes of Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman. They played for South Africa U20s in 2014, before the second team ‘capture’ status was applied. Their non-capture meant they became Scottish-eligible under the old three-year residency rule, and both were part of Andy Farrell’s squad for the recent British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
The Telegraph report read: “World Rugby will hold a meeting to determine whether Benhard Janse van Rensburg and other Premiership stars can one day represent England after the Rugby Football Union questioned current eligibility laws.
Of course, this is largely to do with the politics of nationality. Whether a Rugby player can be trusted to compete against their country of birth. In this case whether a Rugby player can be entrusted to play for England or Scotland against South Africa. It remains to be seen if the rules can be changed. Professional sports teams at the national level demand and require loyalty. To have a team mate from a foreign country enlisted to play on your team requires that new member to give their loyalty to the team and country they are playing for. It remains to be seen if World Rugby can change the rules to end “capture”.
World Rugby may be sceptical if a foreign player can give his loyalty to a national team if it goes against his or her country’s team. Meanwhile Springboks is aiming for taking the Championships this year in New Zealand.
Each of the southern hemisphere giants comes into the Championship with mixed form and varied preparations, following a series of incoming Tests. Spencer, a long-time student of the game and former international star, weighed in on each side’s recent performances and the road ahead. Los Pumas stunned the rugby world by beating a new-look British and Irish Lions team 28–24 in Dublin, marking a historic win on northern soil. However, they followed that up with a 2-0 series defeat at home to a weakened England side, raising concerns about consistency. “You never know with Argentina,” Spencer noted. “They’re like the French from 10 or 15 years ago. On their day, they can beat anyone. But they’ll struggle away from home.” The Wallabies were centre stage during the Lions tour of Australia, which they narrowly lost 2-1.
Under outgoing coach Joe Schmidt, the Aussies showed serious fight, particularly in their dominant third Test win. Now, with Les Kiss preparing to take over, they seem poised for a resurgence. “The Wallabies looked sharp, especially in the last two Tests,” Spencer said. “Their prep coming into the Rugby Championship has been solid. They’ll be dangerous.”
When national teams play against each other, they must compete on behalf of their respective countries with enthusiasm. Soccer and professional sports are demanding not just of talent, perseverance and endurance but also of loyalty. It depends on how long you stay on the team. The resilience of sports teams are tested on the pitch through various test matches. The Pumas (Argentina), the Kiwis/All Blacks (New Zealand), The Lions (France) and the Wallabies (Australia) all have their own version of talent. But all are determined to defeat the Springboks because they are the best. Climbing up the rugby hierarchy is a battle in itself. It is a battle that promises to be brutal and ruthless. But when all the manoeuvres and scores are over there can only be one winner. The Springboks must remain at the top of their game. One false mishap or manoeuvre and their place at the top is lost.
Rugby is a rough sport; professional rugby is ruthless. Rugby teams like the Wallabies and the English Roses are tough nuts to crack. The Springboks had best be prepared. Holding on the rank and title of number one is no easy task. The same can be said of any sport as long as you don’t underestimate your opponent.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
