Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says SA Rugby’s transformation target for the 2019 Rugby World Cup is achievable.
However, he is not happy with the way it has been implemented by coaches and selectors.
SA Rugby’s strategic transformation plan wants the Springbok team to be made up of 50% black players in time for the World Cup in Japan.
“Ideally we would like to just pick the best players but transformation is part of South Africa and it is possible to get close to that 50% mark even now,” Mallett told The Guardian.
“But the coaches and selectors haven’t used their brains. We even picked a white scrum-half, Francois Hougaard, on the wing – as Allister Coetzee (Springbok coach) did last year.
“It was a poor decision because we have some great black wingers. It was a real slap in the face of any competitive black player. And when you look at full-back we have three players, Dillyn Leyds, Warrick Gelant and Andries Coetzee, who is holding the position down.
"They are of similar ability. My view is you must give the opportunity to the black player (Gelant or Leyds) because you’re not going to weaken the side.”
Mallett says the Boks are getting close to having a team made up of 50% black players.
“If we look at full-back, both wings, outside centre, where Lionel Mapoe is very good, the back four positions could be occupied by really strong and skilful black players," he added.
"We have Elton Jantjies at 10 and Beast Mtawarira is doing a great job up front. Six out of 15 is not a disaster in transformation terms. You’re really only looking for one more player to virtually get the 50% for 2019.
"But the Hougaard decision was insensitive and shows a lack of understanding of transformation.”
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