What does the new year promise for South African Rugby?

Question

With so much talk of transformation, and losing Mr White (despite being a excellent coach), will the green monster be able to bring the fear at test time this year, or will this year be all about the new Aussie set up?

And how will "transformation" impact (if at all) on the super 14 teams?

Answer 1

The new year will be an exciting time for the entire southern hemisphere, not just the Boks.  In terms of transformation, the SA government has decided that quotas are nonsense and it will commence investing money at the grass roots level to get players of color into the game.  Frankly, this is the smartest option since it not allows merit to be the sole factor in earning a cap, but also expands the pool of available talent for the country.

The South African Super 14 teams will be good to watch with the Sharks and the Bulls both fielding good sides (Go Sharks!)  The Lions (formerly the cats) most likely won't preform well, due in no small part to the mediocrity of Andre Pretorius.  

The Bulls should have an excellent side with good talent not only on the wings with Ngane and Habana, but also in the Centers with Wynand Olivier.  In addition, the Bulls have the best scrum-half in the world with Fourie du Preez.  The pack i think will be somewhat questionable with Captain Victor Matfield in a somewhat unique situation of playing for different clubs back to back.  Since the entire pack is based around him, his performance will be vital.  The another key player for the Bulls will be Pierre Spies, if his lung check out ok, as they've been reported to be, then he should have a standout season and look to impress after tragically missing the world cup.

The Sharks are set for a tremendous season (I hope).  With Francois Steyn coming of age and the importation of Freddie Michalak to augment one of the best backlines in rugby, Plus the sharks still have the best front row in the S14 and some stand out loose forwards (keep an eye on Ryan Kankowski).

Come time for internationals, I think that SA will fair better than Australia and NZ to be frank (despite my ardent love for the All Blacks).  Australia was really hit hard in the back-line with departures, losing Gregan and not having an heir to his position.  Luckily, they are bless with Matt Giteau who can play any position given 20min before the game to read up on  it so with Robbie Deans at the helm there may be hope.  Unfortunately, the Aussie pack is still the worst in professional rugby.  Despite four years of attempting to recoup the Wallabies still have an abominable front row and a questionable tight five.

The All Blacks are probably in the worst shape of the lot.  They lost big Carl Hayman, the premier prop and scrummager in the world, Anton Oliver who is defensively bright, a great scrummager and a leader on the field, Chris Jack the single best lock forward in the game, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McCallister, and Doug Howlett.  In addition, Dan Carter has been spotty in recent matches with his kicking.  That coupled with no real options at center, particularly to counter Stirling Mortlock leave some serious doubts on the supremacy of New Zealand this year.  Thankfully though, they still have the best loose forwards in the business and the best coach.

Answer 2

THEY ARE THE NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS.    DESERVEDLY SO.

Answer 3

New coaches.  Retired key players.  New era.

Bring it on.

The key will be the Super 14 season and who performs the best.

Hopefully the ACT Brumbies will claim the crown

Answer 4

south africa wont play good they didnt deserve to beat england they couldnt even score a try theres nothing good about them they got luck if nz or aus hadnt of got knocked out then saf wouldnt of won!