@Frank said in Azzuri v Bokke:

there is equal opportunity for blacks and whites.
Both have access to the same Super coach, nutrition experts, physios etc.
How are they disadvantaged at this level in terms of equality of opportunity?

Apparently the coach/selectors do not give black players a chance, and will pick a white player over a black player if they are on par.

Saw this post on rugby365 which hits the nail on the head IMO:

Sad state of affairs in SA Rugby. There are fundamentals that need addressing, and it starts at the top.

SARFU does not have the money to get the best coaches, or keep the top players in SA.
Lets ask why?
I believe that the answer is 2 x fold?
Firstly, they are too scared to stop funding the unions who are clearly underperforming.
Secondly, they do not want they best coaches available...they want the best coaches who will adhere to their transformation plan, and will accept not being in control of the ship. Hence you will only attract A.C. type coaches who blindly say yes to SARFU, and critically, are not set KPI's on winning rugby, but rather on transformation goals.
Professional rugby is not based on merit, neither is selection policy.
Lets ask why?
The Politicians believe that addressing Apartheid's wrongs, are to do it in reverse. This happens in all government enterprises, and I would suggest that the state of corruption, the currency volatility and the potential ratings downgrade are all the 'benefits' of BBEEE.
Player drain abroad.
Lets ask why?
Its not just money, but a great young 24 year old with 6-8 years of professional service ahead of him, will not want to be coached by a 30 year old with no coaching experience who quite frankly, he does not respect. This will continue to erode the player base in SA. More and more young players from Craven week will be welcomed by professional Aussie / Kiwi / European feeder clubs due to the professional set up, and ability to secure a financial future from rugby by being well coached.
Coaching drain abroad.
Lets ask why?
Why on earth would Brendan Venter lead the SA indaba, and then a few months later, assist Italy coach to beat SA for the first time ever? Why on earth would White, Mallet, Meyer, De Villiers etc etc, not be involved in any way in SA rugby going forward? Simply, they are not wanted, even though they are probably still the most experienced, and smart coaches SA have produced. Simply, they don't believe in the new system really, and have no desire to help a sinking ship, cause under the conditions imposed by SARFU, I don't believe that even they think SA can be a force anymore.

The problem is systemic, and I predicted at the start of the year, that we will be lucky to finish the world at number 6 in the IRB rankings once I read the transformation charter, and I saw the coaching plans, and the strategic initiative published on SARFU website that says one of A.C's KPI's are to groom Mzwandile Stick to be the next SA coach.

NOTHING IN SARFU IS BASED ON MERIT AND BEING NUMBER 1.
NOTHING IN THE SARFU STRATEGIC PLAN IS BASED ON IRB RANKINGS AND BEING NUMBER 1.

With that said, how can people be surprised to see SA failing? Quite frankly, our performance is in line with the professionalism and coaching set up.

Talented players in a weak set up who are badly coached will not beat marginally less talented players in a professional set up who are excellently drilled!

The Silver Fern

PN