Wednesday, 30th May 2007 at 1:25 pm

One down for the Boks…

Saturday’s delight has simmered somewhat, the initial jubilation of sticking 50-odd points past England tempered by an appreciation of just how tired, under-strength and frankly uninspired Brian Ashton’s side was, and the nature of the challenges that lie ahead for the Springboks this year (principally those involving black jerseys and slightly camp war dances).

Still, a proficient display to start the international season hasn’t always been a South African trademark, and as game two against England looms (and the English must be dying to run out at Loftus), Jake White has a lot to be happy about. He has strength in depth in every position bar flyhalf, where he has several options that will come into greater focus over the next two months. He has a squad full of running rugby and self-belief. And so far this year, he’s handled both media and politicians with a diplomacy that evaded him early in his coaching tenure.

So what next for White and the Springboks? Aside from continuing to deflect the crazed rantings of clueless politicians, a squad of 30 needs to be arrived at for the World Cup, and the mid-year internationals will be used to experiement, fine-tune, and decide who needs a Shengen visa come September. Already Akona Ndungane is back for a run on the wing, while CJ van der Linde and Gurthro Steenkamp come into a changed front row; with Jacque Fourie close to full fitness, and several back-row combinations to consider, expect several more changes in the next few weeks. And this weekend at least, more dismal fare for English supporters.