With rugby players taking all the limelight at the moment, it’s interesting to know who makes up the team behind the Springbok team in this 2011 World Cup Rugby. Herewith a quick introduction:

Head Coach: Peter de Villiers.

Assistant Coach 1: Gary Gold – concentrating on forward play, lineout strategy and defence.

Assistant Coach 2: Dick Muir – focussing on backline play.

Technical Specialist: Rassie Erasmus – is tasked with technical analysis and planning.

Kicking Coach: Percy Montgomery – he holds records for the most test points (893), most conversions (153), most penalties (148) and most points in RWC 2007 (105).

Defence Coach: Jacques Nienaber – regarded as one of the best defence coaches in SA.

Law Advisor: Neville Heilbron – a former referee, he consults on matters relating to the laws of the game and refereeing.

Team Doctor: Dr Craig Roberts – has to keep the squad fit after some bruising encounters.

Conditioning Coach 1: Dr Derik Coetzee – gets the team into condition.

Conditioning Coach 2: Neels Liebel – entrusted with player fitness and conditioning.

Physiotherapist 1: Rene Naylor – works on sports injury management and prevention.

Physiotherapist 2: Vivan Verwant – a specialist masseur for specific injury prevention, treatment and recovery.

Masseuse: Daliah Hurwitz – specialises in sports massage and injury prevention.

Logistics Manager: Charles Wessels – responsible for all matters relating to team movement.

Technical Analyst:  Peter Maimane – works closely with the coaching team on all aspects of Test preparation and analysis of the opposition.

PR & Admin Manager: Annellee Murray – has worked with the Springboks for over 12 years.

Communications Manager: Andy Colquhoun – heads up SARU communications and is seconded to the Springbok squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Baggage Master: Philip ‘Flippie’ Malakoane – is the longest serving member of the Bok team having seen four coaches come and go and now serving under his fifth.