To Gibbs or not to Gibbs

Ryan Vrede from Keo.co.za writes an interesting article questioning the reasons for Herschelle Gibbs recall for the 3rd Test against the Windies…

“After a pair of ducks in the Port Elizabeth Test the selectors had had enough of the glorious disappointment that is Gibbs. His undeniable talent is matched only by his frustrating, sometimes infuriating, inconsistency, particularly at Test level. The selectors, including coach Mickey Arthur, simply couldn’t justify retaining him in the squad (even if Cricket South Africa chairman Norman Arendse felt they should).

Neil McKenzie’s four year wait between Tests ended at Newlands. But that dream return died as rapidly as it started. A torn calf muscle means the 32-year-old has to once again prove himself on the domestic scene when he returns after a predicted six week lay-off.

The void at the top of the order needed to be filled once more…”

Ryan also makes mention of other unlucky players being overlooked including Andrew Puttick from the Cape Cobras.

The full article can be found here

Keo Sez: These are special boks

Keo is spot on in his post on the uniqueness and general brilliance of the Springboks class of 2007… here’s an excerpt:

The Springboks of 2007 will be a bloody hard act to follow.

The intensity of the World Cup campaign was never going to be matched in Cardiff, but the class of the World Champion Springboks fortunately traveled north for this ludicrous fixture against Wales.

The last time the Springboks had played was a month ago when they beat England to win the World Cup in Paris. The starting XV trained for the first time five days ago. Put into context this was a fabulous win and fine send-off for departing Bok coach Jake White.

Read the full article here…