But it was very clear after the 3N 2009 that the senior players wanted to play in the 2011 WC and have a shot at defending the cup, and that any game leading up to the 2011 showpiece would not carry as much value as the tests at the WC. That sounds pretty logical to me, and as a nation, we probably felt the same.

They did not use the time between 3N 2009 and RWC 2011 to build momentum against the world’s top sides. The Aussies went into that game having won the last 4 tests against the Boks. They went in with the confidence that they can beat us, when really they should not have had that luxury.

We were our own worst enemy.

@pompies2-86: In hindsight, yes, Smit should have been on the bench at the RWC.

Smit got shown up on the EOYT 2009 at 3, but has won a BIL series and a 3N playing at prop…

I thought that was a brave move by PDV that paid off, for a while.

All the above loosies could contribute well to Boks.
Now consider how many are playing overseas, are out injured or have only just returned from injury and therefore not match-fit enough to be part of the squad.

and the fact is, that is just your opinion, not a fact. opinions, being what they are….

I reckon PDV weighed up an under performing captain vs a possible rudderless ship.

Also why we will miss the likes of Burger and Smith this season.

Would you have dropped those senior players in 2010, at the time?

@willievz-61: P Divvy says as much in his book. .

But OZ have lost a few players to injury, ABs as well. I think the telling demands of S15 and 3N(RC) are beginning ot tell on the players! The Big 3 are suffering a bit!!!