Bob Skinstad’s inclusion in South Africa’s team to play Samoa on Saturday shows that he is very much part of coach Jake White’s rugby World Cup plans writes Michael Green for SuperRugby. Â
The experienced loose forward clearly has a role to play in the Springbok team.
Skinstad took a brief breather earlier this week but was back in the thick of things at training on Wednesday, dispelling doubts about his availability for the test at Ellis Park.
White has made 13 changes to the team that beat England in Pretoria last weekend.
Flank Luke Watson and centre Waylon Murray will make their international debut and Skinstad will be captain John Smit’s deputy.
White was unconcerned on Wednesday about Smit playing again. “There was no temptation to rest him,” the coach said.
We have selected the most inexperienced backline since the 1994 test against Argentina,” he explained.
“For his part, John is our most experienced and successful captain. It is important that he should be part of this team.”
The younger and less experienced players were excited about playing with Smit, he added.
“Dick Muir has helped a lot by rotating John and Bismarck du Plessis at the Sharks. John is probably in the best physical condition he has been for the past few years.”
But White did have some good news for Bulls hooker Gary Botha’s supporters. “We must give Gary game time. If the situation allows it, John will come off and Bob will take over as captain.
“Bob has captained the Springboks before. It was unnecessary to make drastic selections to bring in a new captain.
“To me, it is only logical that Bob should take over as leader if John comes off,” White said.
Smit will play in his 66th test match, lead the Springboks for the 41st time and turn out in his 45th consecutive international.
Skinstad will play in his 36th test and has been Springbok captain ten times.
Lock forward Johan Ackermann will become the oldest player to represent South Africa in a rugby test. He will be 37 years and six days old when he runs out at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The previous oldest Springbok was Boy Morkel, who was 36 years and 258 days old when he played against the All Blacks in 1921.
Another veteran, 34-year-old Os du Randt, will also return to test rugby on Saturday.
As long as his role is not still an ambassador for Guiness that’s fine. Don’t let him drive the team bus either.