Andre Snyman to get Bok contract?
Posted by Rasputin - 07/03/06 at 12:03 pm under SA Unions / Teams, World Cup 2007Seems there is strong speculation that Andre Snyman might turn out for the Boks once again
News24 have confirmed the speculation that whilst an eye is being kept on Shaun Sowerby’s form in France, there is apparantly a strong possibility that Jaco van der Westhuyzen might be featuring in the latter stages of the Super 14 as well.
Described by Springbok inside centre legend, Pieter Muller, as the best centre he played with, big Andre Snyman might feature in Jake White’s 2007 plans.
The burly former Sharks centre has been in fine form for months now in the UK, plying his trade with Leeds Tykes where his physical presence and strong running have been a highlight in a fairly miserable Tykes season. Snyman, highly experienced in the test arena, would be valued for his extended stint in northern hemisphere conditions. Whether he can maintain his form for another 18 months, at the current age of 32 (February), remains to be seen although many players have featured on the international stage at 33.
Snyman is the 22nd most capped Springbok of all time with 36 caps.
Sowerby currently plays for Stade de France, Nick Mallett’s old club, and by all accounts has been in glittering form. He is another that may very well provide essential experience of playing rugby at the northern hemisphere coal face, particularly his experience of French conditions.
It is well recorded that Jake White has been bending over backwards to try and secure Jaco van der Westhuyzen’s services for a Super 14 team this year. It appears that he might at last have been successful in persuading Jaco’s Japanese club to release him for S14 duty in the latter stages of the competition.
It makes sense to have Jaco back in SA playing alongside his Bok colleagues and whilst it has not been confirmed, it seems logical for him to turn out for the Stormers.
Rugga World has heard speculation that Jake might be looking towards a 10. Montgomery 11. Ashwin Willemse 12. Jean de Villiers 13. Andre Snyman 14. Bryan Habana 15. Jacques Fourie combination
It would certainly be a powerful combination if all were fit, uninjured and had had time to gel.
March 7th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Wonder if Jake is keeping an eye on Frikkie Welsh as well?
At 1.85 m and 98 kg he’s a big lump who is now also accustomed to the heavier NH conditions.
He’ll be 28 at about the time the world cup arrives.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Mmmm as out of the blue as this is it does sound very promising.
Could it be that jkae is starting to think more outside the box…?
Wicked backline!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
*Jake*
March 7th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Ja and maybe he can also throw in Joost at scrumhalf!
Then it’ll be the most experienced backline we’ve ever fielded. That should scare the 1995 World Cup teams!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:02 pm
Aside from which, why not also sommer get Dries Scholtz here at the Bulls
He’s the fastest prop in world rugby!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Glad he is starting to look beyond the usual lot.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:07 pm
DavidS,
Don’t be so sceptical. It’s been a feature of Bok NH tours of late that the backline simply hasn’t featured.
Andre has been playing well in England, against many of the players he could expect to oppose in the RWC.
The conditions are much heavier here, even though drainage is generally very good and Andre is one tough hombre.
I don’t think the idea is from as far out in the left field as it might initially look.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
Ras: Good point on Frikkie the guys a monster and could well be a asset to have as a back up.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Another one that it might be worth Jake contacting is Thinus Delport.
Just a brief call to say, “Look, you are not totally out of the running. Show me what you are worth over the next year” type thing.
Andre Snyman – Weight 103Kg, Height 1.87m.
Thinus Delport – Weight 98kg, Height 1.88m age: 31 (February), 32 by RWC
March 7th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
In fact Andre is in his prime @ 32. I tink Jake is heading in the right direction.
March 7th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Danie and Naas ?
+
ROB Louw and Helgard – they are still playing – well played in the world legends competition in Jamaica end of last year…….
Krynauw also looks quite fit!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I think Andre is performing very well at 14 – not 13 – at the moment
March 7th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
I the am not personally for the idea that players from overseas just walk into the bok team. Granted that Jake was spot on with Percy and in a way with Jaco.
We do have a lot of talent on centre in SA. Jake must just cast his net wider than the Stormers trio.
We are a bit thin in the front row. Where is the likes of Visagie?
March 7th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Nothing wrong with Steenkamp and vd Linde!
Back up of Sephaka, and Andrews.
Hopefully Os will stay healthy untill then + the rest of the Free State props are more than cappable!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
PP Steenkamp and vd Linde are both injured,but Hell Yes,when they are fit they are gonna be terrors on the field!
March 7th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Locks might be a problem.
Where’s Geo & QD?
March 7th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
I personally rate Steenkamp. He has not played in the S14 yet.
Have a look at the points our locks score in the Fantasy League. There is a great disparity with their NZ counterparts, which is also indicative to me of the quality.
March 7th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Sorry, not locks,but props.
March 7th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
bgg,
whatchu mean props? they can always use dries scholtz as prop.
March 7th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
A certain other site is claiming that JW has already offered Snyman a contract through 2007. Apparently his contract with Tykes ends in May and JW has said that effective then he will be under contract with the Boks. Can anyone confirm this?
As for Sowerby, they claim JW is keeping an eye on his form, but that no contract offer has been extended. Just trying to get some confirmation of these rumours.
March 7th, 2006 at 10:51 pm
I think both are correct, DB.
March 7th, 2006 at 10:54 pm
Thanks as always Ras!