Peter de Villiers has silenced his critics and is reaping the rewards for putting faith in 'his' Bok picks. The new Bok coach didn't flinch when he called on Bolla Conradie and Adi Jacobs to start, despite both players only playing cameo roles for their Super 14 sides. They both stood out and played big roles in two of the tries in the Boks' 43-17 mauling of the Red Dragons.
Some other 'new' players - Andries Bekker, Luke Watson, Thonderai Chavanga and Conrad Jantjes - all slotted in very well. Bekker showed a little frustration in! the second half and made two glaring knock-ons under difficult circumstances. Chavanga knocked-on when he should've fielded an up and under and also come off his line to open the gap for Shane Williams to score. Jantjes was solid, but launched few counter attacks. Watson did almost everything right, winning the ball on the ground and showing skill with the ball in hand.Brian Mujati is the one player that struggled in the scrums, but the heavier Welsh pack did scrum well and it's no secret that a new front row combination needs a bit of time to 'click'.
So de Villiers has created even more depth in his squad by 'blooding' some young players and reviving some Bok careers. Even more impressive is the skill level of some of the players who failed to make the match 22 this week, like Ricky Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and BJ Botha. Many of them should get some game time this coming weekend.
I think there's a bright se! ason ahead and the Welsh, Italy, Argentina, Australia and New ! Zealand will face a powerful team that will just get stronger every week.
