You were wrong tonight, Jake White
Jake White appeared as a guest on SuperRugby on Kyknet tonight. An irate caller called in and gave Jake abuse for picking Eddie Andrews in the team.
Jake responded by saying that he hoped the caller realised we can never pick another all white team and that this formed a key consideration in the team's make up.
Jake, I believe you were wrong to say this. We all realise that South African rugby must play a key role in transforming South African society and indeed, having black players in the team is essential to attracting more players into the game.
Many idealistic (or even racist) supporters have been saying for years, "Just tell us you picked that player for political reasons and we'll leave you alone."
No they won't Jake. Now they will use your response to support their jaded views of life in post-apartheid South Africa.
But most importantly, what you did was cowardly. Under the constant (and what must be at times close to unbearable) pressure, you ducked and put that pressure on a player who did nothing wrong but give his best. And you just said that wasn't as good as someone he's keeping out of the team could have given. How is he supposed to feel now?
As coach you should of course acknowledge the role that rugby transformation plays in general terms - as you have done. Already this must result in players doubting their abilities. But to outright name a particular selection as a political one will crush a player.
You knew what the lie of the land was when you took this job. Acting as a buffer between politics and the team was part of that role.
You're doing a great job as a coach Jake. But you need to watch what you say more carefully. The talk ahead of the Springboks' matches against Ireland last year and the Autralians in Sydney this year wasn't clever.
But tonight was your worst moment behind the microphone yet.
Jake responded by saying that he hoped the caller realised we can never pick another all white team and that this formed a key consideration in the team's make up.
Jake, I believe you were wrong to say this. We all realise that South African rugby must play a key role in transforming South African society and indeed, having black players in the team is essential to attracting more players into the game.
Many idealistic (or even racist) supporters have been saying for years, "Just tell us you picked that player for political reasons and we'll leave you alone."
No they won't Jake. Now they will use your response to support their jaded views of life in post-apartheid South Africa.
But most importantly, what you did was cowardly. Under the constant (and what must be at times close to unbearable) pressure, you ducked and put that pressure on a player who did nothing wrong but give his best. And you just said that wasn't as good as someone he's keeping out of the team could have given. How is he supposed to feel now?
As coach you should of course acknowledge the role that rugby transformation plays in general terms - as you have done. Already this must result in players doubting their abilities. But to outright name a particular selection as a political one will crush a player.
You knew what the lie of the land was when you took this job. Acting as a buffer between politics and the team was part of that role.
You're doing a great job as a coach Jake. But you need to watch what you say more carefully. The talk ahead of the Springboks' matches against Ireland last year and the Autralians in Sydney this year wasn't clever.
But tonight was your worst moment behind the microphone yet.
posted at 12:00 AM
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