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- Jake White has reiterated that SA Rugby faces a very difficult decision when it comes to the Springboks’ participation in this year’s Rugby Championship.
- The successful former Springbok coach notes that both rugby and business prospects should be considered.
- Despite not meeting the Rassie Erasmus “deadline”, SA Rugby still insists that there is a possibility that the national team will withdraw.
Jake white has reiterated that the Springboks and SA Rugby are in an unenviable position when it comes to deciding whether or not to play in the Rugby championship.
The federation said in a statement on Saturday that the national team’s “participation capacity” would be realized “early next week”, although that would contradict Rassie Erasmus, the national rugby director, who declared a fortnight ago that the SA’s deadline to realistically compete in this year’s edition is Sunday.
SA Rugby is also apparently concerned about Australia’s quarantine regulations (14 days of self-isolation required) and the specter that the Boks may not be able to train together remotely during that period.
Donning his cap as a former World Cup winning Springbok coach, White exposed contrasting considerations.
“From a rugby perspective, as a former coach, I think it’s great that guys want to play test matches,” he said after the Bulls’ 30-23 win over Griquas at Super Rugby Unlocked.
“I fully understand that it is not the ideal preparation and probably if I were a coach I would ask SA Rugby to try to find ways in which we do not participate because the situation is a bit unfair.”
He highlighted the possible dependence of the Boks on more stalwarts abroad who conform to the matches as one of the main logistical challenges.
“There are guys at the club who will have to fulfill our commitments in that regard, (difficult to handle when you just wait) for a decision to be made this week,” White said.
“Allied to that are the local players who have only played two competitive matches and now have to go to the Rugby Championship. It is not ideal.”
However, local gaming has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to May’s highly publicized industry cost-cutting plan, which aims to save 1.2 billion rand.
As a result, the financial windfall emanating from the Rugby Champions is certainly an outstanding carrot.
“I also fully understand that there are other things that come into play,” White said.
“We are the current holders of the title and there is the issue of television rights that are placed. If you are sitting in the boardroom and you are doing the sums you have a perception of what should happen and if you are a coach.” you have other.
“It’s a tough decision to make. I’m sure whatever it takes, it will be.”
