South Africa

Who would be a Springbok coach? Nick Mallett appeared to be treading thetightrope quite nicely as he led his team by the nose from its neanderthalrut of bish-bosh rugby to the expansive and infinitely more attractive gamethat dominates the current world stage.

Then came defeat by England and Australia in their own backyard anddespite the fact that the Boks were seconds from the Tri-Nations title,Mallett was on his way.

In came Harry Viljoen but despite the demanding and unforgiving nature ofSpringbok fans, he will lead South Africa down ther same route whileattempting to build a new team without such luminaries as scrum half WernerSwanepoel, flanker Rassie Erasmus and prop Cobus Visagie, all injured.Argentina, Ireland, Wales, England and a star-studded Barbarians in Cardiffshould answer all the questions for him.

Do not be surprised if Viljoen goes largely for experience among theforwards. They will need the steely presence of Andre Venter and captainAndre Vos, plus old warhorse Willie Mayer in the front row, while therejuvenated Mark Andrews is a must to secure the line-out. But expect22-year-old John Smit to make his mark at hooker.

Viljoen will ask the explosive but unpredictable Percy Montgomery to movefrom full back to fly half and choose the attacking options which can takethe Springboks' improving midfield play one step further i.e scoring sometries! It is a huge gamble since Monty has veered from hero to villain andback to hero again in his Test career. Viljoen's fall back will be theuncapped Chris Roussow, brother of Test wing Peter.

The coach will also have a record eight black players in his squad,thankfully not chosen on political grounds but Currie Cup form and24-year-old wing Breyton Paulse not only cemented his starting place withthe two-try performance for Western Province in their cup triumph butearned the Player of the Year accolade.