When Rassie Erasmus returned to the helm of the Springboks, he insisted that the national side must remain open to selecting overseas-based players, which has remained a policy that stands in stark contrast to the All Blacks.

With Erasmus realising that SA Rugby would never have the financial clout to keep its top players in South Africa, he accepted the need to allow overseas clubs to pay a large portion of their salaries, while enabling them to still remain available to the Springboks.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have remained steadfast in sticking to a policy of only selecting players based in New Zealand.

As leading players have headed overseas on ‘sabbaticals’, it means that some top talent has been lost to the All Blacks, with the case of flyhalf star Richie Mo’unga perhaps the most glaring example.

Talented utility back Jordie Barrett is the latest player who has opted to ply his trade overseas with Irish club Leinster, where Jacques Nienaber is now coaching.

Former Springbok boss helped reinforce the view of the All Blacks’ coach

Interestingly, current All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has revealed that a conversation with Nienaber actually helped him realise that there should be no change to New Zealand’s selection policy.

“When Jordie came and said, ‘I’ve got an option for Leinster,’ we zoomed in and talked through all the practicalities,” Robertson said. “He would have most of the Six Nations off, he’d be well coached, and I just had a catch-up with Jacques Nienaber. 

“He was really impressed with Jordie as a player and a man. Jordie’s like an on-field coach, and he’ll come back as a better player. That’s a prime example of keeping an open mind.

“One thing I’ve learnt is you look at the stats, and it suits South Africa’s model financially and with their competitions,” he added. “But we’re in great shape. We’ve got loyal All Blacks, committed Super Rugby players, and young kids here who want that opportunity.”

What makes this is even more interesting is that towards the end of last year it appeared that Robertson was ready ask New Zealand Rugby bosses to make overseas-based players eligible for the All Blacks in a bid to keep up with pacesetters South Africa.

“We don’t want to be a cycle behind or a couple of years behind,” Robertson told New Zealand media in a Zoom call at that time.

“Professional rugby is always evolving. Let’s keep an open mind and see what’s next. I’ll definitely be presenting.

“Using South Africa as an example, they get the opportunity to use a lot of experienced players who are looked after and managed well into their 30s so they’ve got a great balance.

“And they’ve got big squads, they can have two really quality 15s.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THESE DIFFERING POLICIES?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/former-springbok-coach-reinforces-all-blacks-selection-policy/