Watson to lead U-21 side
May 20, 2004 Edition -1
Jacques van der Westhuyzen
Johannesburg: Schalk Burger may have beaten Luke Watson in the race to the Springbok team, but Watson will now succeed Burger as the captain of the South African under-21 side for the World Cup tournament in Scotland next month.
There is only one Springbok, Derick Hougaard, in the squad.
The tournament, which the Boks won in 2002 under the coaching of Jake White, takes place from June 11 to 27.
The squad announcement was embroiled in another disappointing race issue yesterday after radio reports suggested a senior South African Rugby Football Union official had to intervene in the squad selection meeting because only three players of colour had been selected.
Pieter de Villiers, who coaches the side, said he had not heard such rubbish in his life.
"No one had to intervene in selecting the team."
Sarfu president Brian van Rooyen was also angered by the radio report.
"It is clear that certain people want to create racial hatred among coloured people and Africans. Sarfu rejects this in the strongest possible terms," he said.
"We are satisfied with the team and convinced the young men chosen for this great challenge will do the country proud."
A statement by Sarfu further said it was unfortunate that while South Africa celebrates its 10 years of democracy, people still look upon and judge the national teams on the basis of skin colour.
The statement went on to say Sarfu was committed to transformation and would do everything to ensure that rugby contributed to the process of making South Africa a winning nation.
De Villiers said last night that appointing Watson, who many felt should have been in the Bok squad, captain was a very easy decision to make.
"He is a natural leader and immediately earned the respect of the other players at the training camp," said De Villiers.
"We're finishing our camp in Potchefstroom on Saturday before the guys go home for a rest."
He further said he had full confidence in Hougaard, a member of last year's squad, who suffered a dip in form during the latter stages of the Super 12. "He's got a mature head on his shoulders and he'll be in prime condition."
