South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer “totally committed” to transformation

Bryan Habana and our “honourable” Zimbabwean import Beast Mtawarira were the only players of colour in the Springbok starting XV in their humiliating 37-25 defeat against Argentina in Durban last weekend.

That selection criteria forms part of the SARU transformation plan.

Tony Ehrenreich says, “As Cosatu we are concerned and we are speaking on behalf of the black rugby players that rugby transformation is going backwards”.

The Pumas, who made sure the Boks picked up the tournament’s wooden spoon by recording their first ever win in 20 encounters, are expecting a backlash in a World Cup warmup arranged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Argentina’s maiden tour, to Africa in 1965.

“A lot of them came to me and said, “coach, it’s not true what’s in the papers. We stand by you, we know exactly where we stand”.

“Clearly the rugby mafia and the white establishment are excluding black players and playing white players out of position so that they can make place for them in the team”.

Four non-white players are in the starting line-up for Saturday’s return match with the Pumas in Buenos Aires – Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Trevor Nyakane and Zane Kirchner.

“You’re always going to get players that are unhappy if they don’t play”.

Hourcade justified changing a team that achieved the Pumas’ greatest victory since they overcame hosts France to finish third at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. It doesn’t build character, it reveals character. When I took the job I said it’s not about me, this job is bigger than the individual. “I don’t know of anyone that could have done something like that”.

“Whatever happens with all of these Cosatu things, I put it aside and do what I need to do for the weekend”. I don’t have any excuses and I know where the public comes from.

“There is a lot of negativity and I understand that, but like I said from the start, I’m going to keep my integrity and that’s more important to me than just winning”.

While it does not reflect the population dynamics of our very “complicated” country with its bleak past, one has to concede that of all our sporting codes, rugby has arguably been the sport which has served to unite a nation more than any other.