Sad day for South African rugby?

Question

We might have won the cup, but this is the end to Springbok rugby as we know it... The ridiculous affirmative action policy that's going to be implemented now, calls for 80% of the players to be "non-white"! That's right they are going to select players on the colour of their skin, and not merit. Seems like they will never move on. It's still racism, just the other way around this time... Read this http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_2808011,00.html if you don't believe me. What do you think?

Answer 1

Are you sure theyre not reffering to the coach Jake White?

<havnt read the link>

Answer 2

It's not 'racism in reverse' it is simply racism.  Somewhat like affirmative action.  The intention might be well meaning or to provide more opportunities but it is still seleciton based on colour.

Answer 3

Well that is splendid news for all the other countries, now they might stand a chance!

Seriously though, I agree with you that that is the most insane BS that has ever surfaced, when politics meddles in the affairs of a national sport then you can expect things to deteriorate: the quality of the players, and the whole team and it sours things for everyone. Obviously the fools behind this whole movement are oblivious to the massive accomplishment the Springboks have achieved by getting to where they are at this point. So they just want to s***w with everything that is running well.

That said: You simply cannot force a change like this, it needs to be gradual... start by developing the sport with black kids; get them to love it and I assure you that there will be black players who develop into great players and get picked for the club and national team, on merit.

All other countries pick their players considering their current playing abilities throughout the season and year, because it just makes sense. (well maybe not NZ...joke!!!)

Anyway first develop the game in the black community, and it takes time, as it is blacks like soccer more so SA rugby and these idiots in the sports ministry need to change that mindset, or at the very least influence it, promote the sport of rugby at all levels, don't just shove changes down the throats of everyone.

Answer 4

I guess "if" blacks are being actively discriminated against (there are a million ways you can do this btw) in their own country..(which is what asome folks  believe) then they should tear the whole lot down and start again.

It is the only way you can put it right in my honest opinion...

You say it's on the colour of their skin and not merit...but the only actual way anyone can prove this - is if they put a wholly black team in place and it wins or competes brilliantly in the next world cup..using all the resources facilities and priveledges available to the current squad.

If your systems are tip top... and if they turn good players into great players - you'll be fine.

Answer 5

I didn't read where it said that 80% had to be black, I read that 80% of the population were and the teams composition did not reflect that demographic.

Answer 6

i understand where they're coming from.  Two black players in the 15 doesn't reflect the population BUT players must be picked on merit and not skin colour.

England had only 1 black player in Sackey so???

Answer 7

thats shite!!!

Answer 8

This is total bull.It's done it's best to wreck cricket in South Africa and England now have one of the best cricketers in the world in Kevin Pietersen thanks to the quota system!

Answer 9

The true sadness in this is that it is so totally unnecessary. A lot has been done to promote this great game amongst black people in our country, who have always and will always prefer soccer.

More and more players of quality are emerging from their ranks, and given time, more black players will find themselves in top teams - selected on merit. You only need to look at our provincial and national teams at school level to

realize that this forced 'ethnic cleansing' of the game is not called for. It is not about creating a 'representative' team. It is about canvasing votes for our next election. Sick!

Answer 10

I am guessing mass migration of white South Africans will follow. Aussie could find Perth inundated with test rugby quality players and finally get some decent forwards. A mass exodus for european clubs and the big bucks could follow as well. Will they be adopting this stupid stance at Super 14 level I wonder?

Answer 11

It's reverse discrimination at its worst.  Disgusting.  Players should be picked on merit and not the color of their skin....kinda makes them hyocrites doesnt it?  Why fight for years for equality only to do it in reverse.  Can you imagine the uproar if this was reversed?  The World would isolate us for another 27 years.  Ludicrous bullshite.