BATTLE-hardened Springbok captain Jean de Villiers should be managed carefully during next year's Super Rugby competition ahead of the World Cup but not pampered like a Maltese poodle.
This is according to two Springbok World Cup centres and Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, who confirmed that an agreement to rest De Villiers and other contracted Boks was in place between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and Western Province.
The skipper is the glue that binds Heyneke Meyer's team and it was probably a blessing that De Villiers missed six matches at the back end of Super Rugby plus the three winter incoming Tests against Wales and Scotland.
Meyer pointed out yesterday that he would go into the tour of Europe looking to strengthen his best team for next year's showpiece in England, making De Villiers's availability crucial.
There have been years of wrangling leading up to this point but it appears Saru and the unions have struck a deal allowing key figures to be managed better.
"Contracted Springboks will definitely be available for Super Rugby," Coetzee said. "I don't think you can take a Springbok squad out of all forms of competition and then expect them to go play at a World Cup, so they will be available... We'll look to give all the Boks a chance to rest over the course of the tournament."
Former Bok Kaya Malotana said a balance between rest and workload should be struck to allow De Villiers to gather enough form and confidence ahead of the World Cup but not at the expense of the engine.
"Form is crucial in rugby for your own self confidence," said Malotana, who played in the 1999 World Cup in England.
De Wet Barry, the inside centre of the Class of 2003, said: "I'm not sure if the best way is for him to be totally away from rugby. Manage him properly but keep him playing."
Rest de Villiers, don't spoil him
BATTLE-hardened Springbok captain Jean de Villiers should be managed carefully during next year's Super Rugby competition ahead of the World Cup but not pampered like a Maltese poodle.
This is according to two Springbok World Cup centres and Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, who confirmed that an agreement to rest De Villiers and other contracted Boks was in place between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and Western Province.
The skipper is the glue that binds Heyneke Meyer's team and it was probably a blessing that De Villiers missed six matches at the back end of Super Rugby plus the three winter incoming Tests against Wales and Scotland.
Meyer pointed out yesterday that he would go into the tour of Europe looking to strengthen his best team for next year's showpiece in England, making De Villiers's availability crucial.
There have been years of wrangling leading up to this point but it appears Saru and the unions have struck a deal allowing key figures to be managed better.
"Contracted Springboks will definitely be available for Super Rugby," Coetzee said. "I don't think you can take a Springbok squad out of all forms of competition and then expect them to go play at a World Cup, so they will be available... We'll look to give all the Boks a chance to rest over the course of the tournament."
Former Bok Kaya Malotana said a balance between rest and workload should be struck to allow De Villiers to gather enough form and confidence ahead of the World Cup but not at the expense of the engine.
"Form is crucial in rugby for your own self confidence," said Malotana, who played in the 1999 World Cup in England.
De Wet Barry, the inside centre of the Class of 2003, said: "I'm not sure if the best way is for him to be totally away from rugby. Manage him properly but keep him playing."
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