The selection imbroglio that served to undermine the Proteas at the Cricket World Cup will not be repeated when the Springbok squad is assembled for rugby's quadrennial jamboree later this year.
A senior member of the Springbok set-up, who did not want to be named, said players will be put through the wringer and will have to prove their battle readiness before the tournament.
Some of the national cricket team's selections have drawn sharp criticism, especially after it became apparent that some players arrived in England sans the form and required conditioning to perform in a World Cup.
"There will be no entitlement in selection," reassured the Bok insider. "Sure, players need to be managed properly. If they are not in camp due to injury then so be it but when they are in camp they have to work as hard as everyone else. Don't hide injuries. They got the message."
Several Springbok forwards including Siya Kolisi, Tendai Mtawarira, Warren Whiteley, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are sidelined through injury but they are all expected to return to fitness well ahead of the tournament. Even De Jager, who had to undergo a shoulder operation, is expected to be fit by the time the Springboks play Australia at Ellis Park on July 20.
The insider said it was unlikely the Boks would repeat their selection strategy of 2007 and 2011 when key players were rested for the away leg of the then Tri Nations. Like last year, they mean business when they meet the All Blacks on July 27.
"No. I doubt we'll rest key players then," he said. "Hopefully we'll be at full strength. New Zealand have again scheduled that Test for Wellington in the hope of proving to their public they can beat the Springboks there. It is our intention to beat them there again," said the insider in reference to last year's thrilling 36-34 win for the Boks.
He said as part of the strategic planning the team may again send an advance party to prepare in New Zealand, while a less experienced squad will take on the Wallabies.
"If anything we will maybe have to go into that Test with a different looking team. The other guys will leave early for Wellington," said the source.
Several Springbok forwards including Siya Kolisi, Tendai Mtawarira, Warren Whiteley, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager are sidelined through injury but they are all expected to return to fitness well ahead of the tournament
When asked whether players outside the Springbok training group are likely to force their way into the team the insider sounded far from accommodating.
"There won't be much change. Some of the guys who have been doing well in Super Rugby are inexperienced by Test standards.
"Also, when you go into camp you have to have players who are already on the same page. If new players come in they will be exposed to a different view and they'll join an environment that is already pretty settled."
That will come as cold comfort to players like Carlu Sadie and Dylan Smith who have excelled in the Lions' scrum this season.
"They've been brilliant," conceded the source. "Age-wise they are 22 and 25 respectively. It is heart-warming to see players like that perform as well as they have. Not just once, but consistently this season. We have a lot of depth at prop."
He said though SA's teams have been inconsistent in Super Rugby their performances against New Zealand teams have been "satisfactory".
"The Sharks and the Stormers drew with the Crusaders, the Lions beat the Chiefs and the Highlanders, and the Bulls got a draw against the Blues and the Highlanders. The reasons could be twofold. Because it is a World Cup year maybe the New Zealand teams are dipping, or maybe we are better?"
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