Logistical, technical and tactical skills required.
No, this is not an advertisement for some prestigious executive management position; it is only some of the requirements you have to meet if you want to be a Springbok rugby player.
Coach Jacques Nienaber has started already his preparation for the upcoming test series against the British and Irish Lions, and listening to him it is clear you have to be a little bit of a genius to play top-flight rugby these days.
Not so long ago the forwards were seen as the guys that do the donkey work on the field and they didn’t have to think about it.
They usually had one or two tasks and didn’t have to know the game plan. The backs were seen as the clever boys and it was basically left to the captain and fly-half to make the decisions.
Not anymore. Every player, well definitely those in Nienaber’s side, got to do the logistical, technical and tactical homework.
And believe me, it is a lot of detail to master. The modern rugby player is indeed a clever bloke.
Then there is the media. With the recent uproar at the French Open about tennis star Naomi Osaka’s unwillingness to attend press conferences, the media readiness of international sports teams is very much in the spotlight.
With matches being played behind closed doors, the demand for the Bok camp to be available for media assignments will be very demanding.
In this regard it is refreshing to see the approach of Nienaber and the director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus.
Erasmus has always stated that it is a good thing when the Boks are in the news, good or bad, as that is an indication that the country is passionate about rugby and the team.
He wants the people to talk about the Boks. He prefers it if they speak kindly about the team but will take the criticism. He doesn’t want to shy away from the difficult questions.
Of course when your team is winning it is much easier to face the media. When the results aren’t going your way it can get very difficult but that is where an open and healthy relationship with the media can save you from embarrassment.
The British sporting media is ruthless and it will be interesting to see how many visiting media will be allowed at the matches within the COVID-19 regulations.
In their time with the Boks, Erasmus and Nienaber had taken it on the chin when things didn’t go their way and stayed away from ridiculous statements as we have seen here and there from previous Bok coaches.
The logistical, technical, tactical and media homework must be done, but in the end the Boks will have to beat the British and Irish Lions on the field.
That is something to look forward to and although behind closed doors, the South African sports fans can get ready to watch some huge clashes coming up on their television screens.
We start on the cricket field with the Proteas taking on the West Indians from tomorrow on the island of Saint Lucia. Look out for a stellar performance from the Eastern Cape’s Anrich Nortje, recently named as the player of the year.
