There's no one like Jean

If eighteen months ago I was told that losing Jean de Villiers for the 2014 June internationals would be a major setback for the Springboks I would have politely advised the teller that in the same vain it is a major setback that Mark Andrews has not made himself available for selection. De Villiers looked well beyond international level but praise must be given where it is due. Heyneke Meyer showed faith in de Villiers and was richly rewarded. Not only he, but Alistair Coetzee has benefitted from a rejuvenated player that is back to his signature-celebrating best (thank God that seems to have passed).

The issue his absence presents is not only who will don the number 12 jersey for the Springboks in the upcoming run of fixtures but who will lead the side. The Boks do appear safe for cover at centre as Sharks lock Stephan Lewies has been called up in de Villiers' stead. Now Lewies hasn't featured at centre for the Sharks this season nor has he even been allowed to hold a tackle bag for the backs in practice but we at ReRugby have an inside source that can guarantee that Lewies was once seen sucking air out on the wing during a game of touch in grade 5. Lewies has also been known to frequent Gateway Centre in Umhlanga so all looks well.

Although the June internationals are hardly pivotal in terms of results and silverware they prove a useful gauge for the Rugby Championship and, given the proximity of the IRB World Cup, take on an extra importance this year. South African rugby supporters aren't the most forgiving bunch at the best of times and Mr Meyer will know that anything but a 100% win record on home soil will be a failure. So, who just are the contenders to lead out the Bokke? Heyneke Meyer has dispelled the option of rotating the captaincy and will look to give the job to the same player for all four matches where the Springboks will feature against the World XV, Wales on two occasions, and Scotland. Meyer has also assured us humble public that whoever is chosen will be replaced by de Villiers upon his return so there is not necessarily any long-term view on the choice.

The first option proves quite a conundrum: Victor Matfield. Yes, it is true that Matfield who was dazzling the South African public with his commentating acumen this very year is not only back in the Springbok fold but is a frontrunner to lead the Bokke out onto the field during these internationals. My God! Sure, the Boks are slightly Kate Mossish (a bit thin) on the locking front, especially after Pieter-Steph du Toit's injury, but Victor Matfield? In his defence (not about his defence), he hasn’t actually been that bad for the Bulls this season. He leads the Super Rugby stats for lineout wins which is an enviable and desirous stat to have for a lock to have but beanpole prowess shouldn't be the only item in a Springbok second-rower's bag of tricks. His general play in the loose and around the fringes, as he has demonstrated over the years, shows an aversion to the aggressive stuff that would make Tinkerbelle look like Achilles. There is no question that Matfield brings unrivaled experience and leadership to the team and does appear to have maintained at least a steady level of fitness in his old age but is he a player of Springbok quality? Arguably what he brings in terms of experience and know-how is what the team may need given the high number of young players in the squad. Can he add this from the bench or just in training? Yes, but Meyer will want on-field leadership from a player who will start each match. Matfield may just be the option.

Bismarck du Plessis is a strong choice. Bissy has captained the Sharks well this season and has maintained his physical, domineering self with the added responsibility. He has been known to lapse into a state of blind rage but that is probably still directed at his agent for allowing him to appear in the 'pump by die dam pump' advert. In my mind, Bismarck is South Africa's best player. Adriaan Strauss is good, yes, but Bissy is simply too strong a force. Strauss has also been put forward as a possibility to lead the Boks but in truth the likelihood of Meyer rotating the two may actually rule them both out of the running. Bismarck is an option to take over the captaincy from de Villiers after next year's World Cup but it appears Meyer's mind is fixed on the short term for now.

Heyneke Meyer has also put forward the names of Schalk Burger and Duane Vermuelen as options. No disrespect meant but Schalk hasn't played enough to warrant a spot in the starting fifteen and arguably in the squad at all. I don’t have a major issue with him cracking the nod for the wider squad but there are far superior loose forwards in the country at the moment who should rule him out of the run-on fifteen. Duane Vermuelen is surely a no-go. Although he hasn't really had the best Super Rugby season, he will be the favourite to start at eight for the Boks, but captain? I can’t see it happening.

In my mind, Bismarck is the long term replacement for de Villiers. He won’t present the same kind of selection issues that plagued John Smit and is growing as a leader with the Sharks but for now that won’t help him. The way things appear, Meyer will pick Matfield. It's not a terrible call. He is almost sure to start and given Meyer's primary aim to get his team out of the inbound tour unscathed, old Vic gives him a strong figure around whom to build his team. Quite frankly I don't care, just so long as it keeps Matfield away from a microphone.