With Ruan Combrinck ruled out for up to six weeks, it’s time for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee to be brave and experiment a little.
While this may be a tad unorthodox, I don’t think Coetzee should call up another specialist winger to his squad.
Instead, I think it might be worth it to start looking at Damian “Doogz” de Allende as a possibility in the No.14 jumper.
We all know what a strong runner and stepper De Allende is.
Of his kick receives, I have seen too little of to make a judgement on.
But certainly on attack I think De Allende will benefit from playing on the wing.
He has battled in the midfield this season, with his lack of creativity being the reason why many fans want to chuck vrot tamaties at their TV sets as soon as a run of his has been brought to a halt.
De Allende might lack certain skills as a 14, but he will gain a lot from such a stop-gap move.
Firstly, he will understand how frustrating it is when the ball stops in the midfield.
I think that in its own will benefit his game.
Also, can you imagine having to tackle De Allende at full speed while he is sparking a counter attack from the back?
With his offloading skills, this might turn out to be a useful addition to the Boks’ team. Then bring in Rohan Janse van Rensburg and really open up Lionel Mapoe.