‘Brüssow deserves to play for Boks’

Three former players and two coaches on whether Heinrich Brüssow should be recalled to the Springbok squad in 2015.

ROB LOUW (former WP and Bok loose forward)

'I'm confident Heyneke Meyer will select Brüssow, he would be silly not to. He was outstanding against the Chiefs on Saturday. The World Cup takes place in a region where the forwards dominate the game and it's a region where Brüssow will undoubtedly thrive.' 

WERNER SWANEPOEL (former Cheetahs and Bok scrumhalf)

'He's a quality player, but it depends on various factors as to selection for the Boks. Meyer is spoilt for choice as there are a host of quality loose forwards at his disposal. Francois Louw has been tremendous in his last couple of Tests for the Boks and Brüssow's direct competitor. Brüssow is smaller than other loose forwards, which helps his cause to challenge for the ball on the ground. If he complements Meyer's game plan, he should definitely be selected!'

HUGH REECE-EDWARDS (Shining Arcs coach and former Bok fullback)

'I don't see why he shouldn't be selected. From the matches I got to see him play in, he's been on top form both in Japan and Super Rugby. Brüssow is very consistent in his performances, he doesn't blow hot one day and cold the other, so the chances of him letting anyone down are slim. If he's selected later this year, there can't be any complaints.'

JIMMY STONEHOUSE (former Pumas coach)

'There's no denying Heinrich is a world-class fetcher, but he's not the best at the lineouts because he is so short. His inclusion will depend on how Meyer wants to utilise his loose trio this year. Based on form I'd pick Heinrich for the Boks, but with all the other options available to him, I'm not sure Meyer will call on Brüssow. However, with several other players able to compete at the lineouts, I'd like to see him in the World Cup squad. His abilty to contest on the ground might be the difference at a crucial stage during the World Cup.'

WAYNE FYVIE (former Sharks and Bok flank)

'He should be selected for sure. I've always rated Brüssow and if they are to select a Bok squad based on merit and not reputation, his will be one of the first names down. He has an unbelievable work-rate and the desire to always dominate his opponents, even if he does so illegally sometimes. Brüssow deserves to be a Springbok again.'

Photo: Barry Aldworth/BackpagePix

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