Bok coach Heyneke Meyer will get an opportunity to eye the form of overseas based players when Nick Mallett coaches the SA Barbarians against Saracens next month.
The former Springbok, Stade Francais and Italian coach will coach a Barbarian team comprising South African players based in Europe and at home against the UK side that has very strong South African ties.
Mallett said: “The SA Barbarians are a well-established club, who played against England last year. We look forward to playing Saracens, and enhancing the tradition.
“This match presents a fantastic opportunity for experienced players and bright young talent alike to make their mark. We will put together a squad to entertain and to challenge well-organised opponents.”
The game, to be played on May the 16th, at the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City of London, will generate funds for the Chris Burger/ Petro Jackson fund, supporting individuals injured while playing rugby.
Its great to hear that Mallet is still involved in coaching.
My opinion of him is high and his track record does speak for itself. Quite honestly, I am of the opinion that he would be the perfect coach to take SA to the next world cup victory. I know he has had his chance in that seat and politics seemed to have hogtied his opportunity but can you imagine the awesome spectacle if the following occurred…
1. Mallet got handed back the SA team to lead to the world cup. The player pool in South Africa promises to provide fantastic talent over the next few years and Mallet has proven to be a man who brings out the best in his players.
2. White got the nod for the Wallabies team. (Deans just does not look like he has the fire left in him despite some great talent.) The man is a coaching great with a healthy record of making teams gel.
Now that world cup would be some sort of cracker and while I have a healthy respect for the other nations including the current holders, I think that THE Boks and the Roos have the emerging youngsters with the best potential make great it an awesome final.
And then I woke up and the coffee was cold, Meyer was just not getting results, Deans had not smiled in 3 years and Steve Hansen was suprised to make it through to the finals after a Semi scare to the Argetinians.