Bok coach Peter de Villiers got thrown a few curve balls this week – on the selection of Ricky and Chiliboy as well as management of players leading up to RWC 2011.

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Question:How is it possible for Ricky January & Chilliboy Ralapella to be playing for the Springboks if they are not even starting for their Provinces in Super 14 rugby? Justin le Roux

Peter replies: I do not pick the Vodacom Super 14 sides but I certainly believe that these two players have something to offer us and they have shown it in the Test matches to date. Ricky was the man of the match against Wales and Chiliboy is clearly reaping the benefits of his decision to play Vodacom Cup rugby this season as part of his extended injury recovery and conditioning programme. Well done to the Vodacom Blue Bulls on their role in this. There were other questions about Ricky from James Pitout, Peter L’Estrange and Sarah Boomgard which I cannot reply to individually, except to say that I know what I have in Ricky and I know what he is capable of. With Fourie du Preez not available you need the experience of a player who has “been there before” in a Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign.

Question:I would like to hear your view on how a player like Chilliboy, who is so talented and is proving himself on the international arena, can be a B player at his province? Why can’t we get the best players in every position spread across the provinces, so as to allow them game time? Your biggest fan, Zola Mkumla

Peter replies: Zola, it is so refreshing to have a question asked from an alternative viewpoint. Well done! As national coach I would love to see this, but this is not an ideal world and whilst we have a good working relationship with the Super Rugby franchises and coaches we have to be mindful that they have their own unique challenges. We are so fortunate to have so many talented players in our country but only 22 places to fill in a Springbok squad!

Question:I know you are experimenting at the moment but I am concerned about the team gelling before the Tri-Nations. Are we not worried about the Tri-Nations but rather the World Cup Next year. Lionel Dreyer

Peter replies: I would not call it experimenting but rather making use of every opportunity that is available to us between now and the World Cup to evaluate and monitor each and every player who could be part of the World Cup squad next year. This year’s Vodacom Tri-Nations is much more important than next year’s as we play two matches in New Zealand and they are in places where we will play World Cup matches. The end-of season tour this year is also vital to our preparations. We are taking things step-by-step with the goal of making sure our top players are fit and available at the World Cup next year.

Question:My question is regarding the management of players leading up to the RWC 2011. Are the Super franchise coaches and you guys on the same page when it comes to player management and does the Bok management have any say in resting players during the Super 15 ? Dan Jardine

Peter replies: Dan, we are very much on the same page. In fact, the Springbok medical team met recently with its Super 15 counterparts to plan the way ahead for the country’s leading rugby players in the lead up next year’s World Cup. The main purpose of the session was to discuss the management of players in both International and national competition over the coming months with the ultimate goal of having a fit and full strength squad at the 2011 World Cup.

Question:Please let us know when you will (put) the petty personal issues aside and select the best fullback talent we have had in years. Frans (Steyn) is the most talented player since Naas Botha, but you let your personal feelings get in the way of us winning the 3N and the WC. You are supposedly to be objective, clearly not. Dawid Louw

Peter replies: Dawid, I am glad you asked that question. Thanks to Steven Hapelt, Gerrit Conradie, Mandy Kotze, Simon Clements and Jacques Harmse too for asking about Frans. There are no problems between Frans and I and I certainly do not have “petty” issues with him. I will never deny any player the opportunity of playing for his country. The truth is that Frans was only available for the Wales Test. Further discussion is needed with his club and agent about future availability and this is being dealt with presently. You have fallen for the perception created in the media that there may be issues between myself and the player which is untrue.