Players choosing bucks over Boks

THE curious case of Johan Goosen and his flirtation with the Springboks is hugely significant as South African rugby beats on against the relentless tide of professionalism.

Goosen has been recalled to the Springbok squad for the imminent Rugby Championship not only because he has been in sensational form in French club rugby, but also because he is equally at home at flyhalf and fullback.

These are positions in which the depth available to Allister Coetzee has been compromised by injury to Patrick Lambie and the unavailability of Willie le Roux who, worryingly, has chosen not to accept a Springbok contract, probably because he wants to play overseas uninterrupted by that irksome business of the Springboks.

This brings to mind the warning of former Springbok coach Jake White, who back in 2010 said the Springbok coach would “make a rod for his own back” by surrendering to the lure of picking overseas-based South Africans.

White has repeatedly said that Springbok rugby would be on the road to ruin the moment that the green and gold jersey was devalued by the selection of overseas-based players before locals.

White pointed out the New Zealand model, where the All Blacks are picked solely from the Super Rugby franchises. The Kiwi players who go overseas – and there are plenty of them – are the ones who know their time with the All Blacks is over, and they venture off for a golden handshake.

Which brings us back to Goosen. He was just 21 when he left the Cheetahs (and the Springboks after six caps) to make money in France.

He has certainly got that right, and he has just signed a new contract at Racing 92 that will ensure his stay at the Paris club until 2021.

He has earned rave reviews in France, but what message does his Springbok recall send out to talented youngsters emerging in our local game?

The message is head overseas to earn your fortune and, if you excel over there, the door is open for Springbok selection.

I have nothing against Goosen. He is indeed an exceptional player, but can the Boks allow his case to be the norm?

We need to continually go back to the rugby team that sets the standards in world rugby. New Zealand are by some margin the best rugby country on the planet.

The All Blacks have won back-to-back World Cups and this year their five Super Rugby franchises were a cut above virtually every other team in the competition, with the Lions being a notable exception.

We can accept that the rand has not performed as well as the NZ dollar in recent years, but innovative thinking can make up for this where our best players are concerned.

We have exceptional businessmen in this country and post-rugby employment for star players who choose to stay in this country should be encouraged.

The New Zealand model is there to be copied.