Du Preez was part of the all-conquering Northern Bulls squad built by Meyer nearly a decade ago and the coach is convinced one of his favourite stars can help South Africa conquer the world.
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Kriel, Pollard and Strauss have signed until October 2019 while Nyakane is now contracted until October 2018 and Serfontein until October 2017.
“If there is a black player who is of equal strength to a white player, then according to the Constitution the black player does have to be chosen…but with sport it’s hard to prove”.
Meyer said that although a number of players now recovering from injuries were selected, every player in the squad is expected to be fit for the Springboks’ opening match of the Rugby World Cup, on 19 September against Japan.
“Not only the Bulls, but South African rugby will benefit in having them based in Pretoria”.
South Africa’s rugby administrators have set a target of 50 percent black players in the national side by 2019, but many critics say the sport has failed to recruit and develop young black players.
McGregor, the author of Springbok Factory, believes a systematic overhaul of rugby development is needed – starting with the appropriate use of Saru’s annual budget of close on a billion rand.
But he expressed concern about the large number of players who had been out of action for long periods, especially among the forwards.
Some commentators have included Tendai Mtawarira in this grouping, although he is not South African-born.
If the Agency for New Agenda (ANA) has it’s way, the Springboks might not be playing in this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The ANA are arguing that the government’s policy on transformation hasn’t been met with the Springboks squad predominantly white.
Coach Heyneke Meyer has also been targeted for heavy criticism over his apparent failure to pick enough black players, an ongoing issue of contention in South African rugby.
True to form the New Zealander’s latest rant regarding England’s Rugby World Cup squad selection would qualify as psychological warfare on a scale that Jose Mourinho himself would be proud of.
Springbok wing Bryan Habana supported Meyer. “And as I watch the passage of the Springboks, I will be openly cheering for whichever opponent they are facing and wishing them humiliation”.
“Eben felt some discomfort in his calf at the end of our training session”, said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts. “It is a spitting of thick phlegm at his nation-building efforts”.
Meyer moved to defend his choices, insisting he did not consider race when selecting players and instead chose the best team he could.
Restricted to under 12’s and 16’s age group, the youths were excited and charmed as they went through the game’s basics.
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South Africa have been drawn in Pool B at the World Cup alongside Japan, Samoa, Scotland and the United States.
