Watson on a no-win quest in Bok jersey

Stormers flank and captain Luke Watson will be on mission on Saturday to prove to Springbok coach Jake White that he deserves to be in the national squad on merit when he makes his Test debut against Samoa at Ellis Park writes Zeena Isaacs for Business Day.

However, regardless of Watson’s performance, nothing he does on the field will convince White that he should be a regular member of the squad.

Watson was controversially added to White’s 35-man national squad last month by the leadership of the South African Rugby Union (Saru) — a move White was furious about.

Nothing has changed since.

In fact, it was clear this week that Watson’s inclusion in the starting 15 against Samoa was a trade-off between Saru’s bosses and White for a peaceful relationship between the parties.

Unfortunately for the coach, Watson’s controversial inclusion in the team has overshadowed the inclusion of a few players who White feels deserve to be in the team on merit, such as debutante Waylon Murray, who will pair up with Wayne Julies in the midfield, and lock Albert van den Berg.

Watson’s inclusion in the squad, however, has robbed Bulls flank Wikus van Heerden of earning his sixth cap.

White dodged questions about Watson’s inclusion in the looseforward combination, saying only: “It is a well-balanced loose trio.”

Watson, despite being aware of the interference in his selection, was ecstatic about making his Test debut.

“Obviously everyone is aware there has been a controversy surrounding me being in the side,” said Watson. “But first and foremost I am very glad to be donning the Springbok jersey and I am looking forward to running out in the No6 jersey.

“Jake and the selectors have worked out their plans and their team,” said Watson. “But personally I would like to perform well this weekend. Any look-in I get thereafter will be a bonus. Obviously I would be disappointed because representing one’s country is an honour and privilege and one I would like to have a further experience with.”

White made 13 changes to the starting team that thumped England 55-22 at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday, with the only change in the new-look team that trained all week being the inclusion of former Bok captain Bob Skinstad at flank in place of Pedrie Wannenburg.

Wannenburg will start the game on the bench.

White said Skinstad has been nursing a stiff hamstring.

The coach was particularly excited about his new back line — which features flyhalf Derick Hougaard and wing Ashwin Willemse — and said: “There is a good energy among the young players. This is the most inexperienced team we have selected in years. It is a bit of a concern because they are so inexperienced and will be playing against a good Samoan back line. But it is a challenge for them. It will be good to see what our depth is like because the other players have proved their worth. I am keen to see what this back line does in terms of the opposition they play against.”

Should hooker Gary Botha replace skipper John Smit during the game, Skinstad will take over the captaincy.