With the Super 15 nearing its conclusion, a lot more clarity has been provided to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers with regard to the make-up of his World Cup squad. The emergence of exciting talents like Coenie Oosthuizen and Bjorn Basson have added to the burgeoning pool of talent, but there are plenty of headaches for “Div”.

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Chief among these is the small matter of the flyhalf position. The Boks may have wings who all appear in good nick, the enviable loose forward cupboard may be well stocked and a few young gems may be there to provide a bit of unpredictability.

But the 2011 World Cup squad will need a spark and a heavy responsibility lies with the man in the No 10 jumper.

By Lungani Zama, IOL

We look at the options:

MORNE STEYN

The incumbent should still have the inside lane for the jersey because he has done little wrong.

Steyn has had another solid season. He was again the leading points-scorer in the round-robin of the Super 15 with 216 points. Steyn, as he proved in the unforgettable series against the British and Irish Lions, has a nerveless temperament – a priceless commodity on the biggest stage of the game.

His defence is solid and he has a very good understanding with Fourie du Preez, a certain starter – if fit – at scrumhalf.

But his detractors will say that Steyn does very little to spark the backline. His distribution is slick and he has added touches like cross-field kicks and the odd chip and gather, but Steyn is an old-school flyhalf. He is solid, yet unspectacular. What everyone knows is that Steyn will guarantee three points every time the opposition commits a crime.

Like Mrs Ball’s at a braai, he can always be relied on.

PETER GRANT

He is probably the man pushing Steyn the hardest and playing in a winning team has never hurt anyone’s credentials.

Before his injury, Grant was looking more and more comfortable as the general in the Stormers side. Though the Stormers enjoyed success Down Under in his absence, the relief upon his return against the Cheetahs last weekend speaks volumes at the respect he commands in that squad.

Importantly, he plays week in and week out with the most likely Bok centre pairing and that cannot be overlooked.

Grant has grown into his role at Newlands and he is now increasingly looking to ghost through the line in the manner that made him a standout at age-group level.

He has a wider range of passing than Steyn and he is constantly on the lookout for a half-gap.

Grant’s kicking is not on the same, metronomic levels of the Bulls hitman, but he has made a huge improvement, especially when kicking at goal.

The one glaring omission from Grant’s CV is a dominant display in a really big match. He was very subdued in both of the finals the Stormers and
Western Province played last year, overshadowed by Steyn in Soweto and Patrick Lambie in the Currie Cup final. The semi-finals and possible final of the Super 15 will therefore be an ideal platform for him to display his ability to take charge.

The sweet chilli option, he will add a bit of spark to the table – without burning your tongue off.

BUTCH JAMES

The pivot during the triumphant 2007 World Cup, James has years of experience to fall back on.

And that winner’s medal. He has been there and done it, and the veteran flyer will tell you that his knees are good for one last shot at the big time. His move to Lions country went down as well as a California roll at Loftus among Sharks fans, but he gave himself a chance to get game-time before the squad was chosen.

James can certainly take a game by the scruff of the neck, and his first-half display against the Sharks at Ellis Park was evidence of his enduring quality.

Since joining the moneybags, James has got the backline going with his daring distribution. He seldom misses his man, even with his “cut-out passes”, and he has honed a wily boot while plying his trade at muddy Bath. He also loves a bit of argy-bargy and doesn’t back down from confrontation.

But, as ever, the former Sharks hero comes with parental guidance. His kicking is not quite on the same level as those mentioned above, and he has built up a reputation for indiscipline.His recent suspension for a high tackle on Keegan Daniel is just the latest in a chequered history of offences. And, in a starting line-up that may also contain combative sorts like Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger and, to a lesser extent, Bismarck du Plessis, the 32-year-old may be a gamble that the Bok management may not want to take.

The jalapeno pepper that may not make it on to the menu,because he could be too hot to handle.

PATRICK LAMBIE

It’s hard to believe that he is still just 20, but the new darling of King’s Park continues to find a way into the heart of the action.

His first full year in the competition was always going to be a tough assignment, but he has shone when the Sharks needed him to – and he has an appetite for the big stage.

Lambie’s turn at fullback against the Bulls once again demonstrated his versatility, which is exactly what may make him a cheeky option for the No 15 jersey.

He has great hands and does not shirk any responsibilities on defence. His age may see him overlooked for a starring role at flyhalf this time around, but he is an intriguing option off the bench when the game opens up. Lambie’s option-taking also belies his tender years and he will be soaking in everything he can while Frederic Michalak is around the Shark cage.

Mr Chakalaka, he can blend in anywhere and make an impression.

VERDICT

The jury is certainly still out, but the safe option points to Steyn.

De Villiers may well have been more daring if the World Cup was a year ago and gone for someone like Lambie because of his fearlessness and his unpredictability.

But, if it were up to this scribe, the evidence window would be extended to the end of the Super 15 final.

If Grant can build on his encouraging form of 2011 and stamp his authority on successive big games, he may well be the man to provide the Boks with a healthy mix of flair and finesse come September.

Playing safe will take the Springboks a long way, but it will not unlock the frugal defences of the big boys. Grant has the platform to show what he can do next week and if he takes the Stormers home, his knock on the door will be very hard to ignore.

As the saying goes in Maritzburg … you will never win a World Cup if you don’t have a College boy at flyhalf.