Looking at lock forwards that Peter de Villiers should take to the World Cup is a quick and easy discussion. Victor Matfield and Andries Bekker cover the number five jersey / four-jumper position as arguably the two best line out options in world rugby, while Bakkies Botha and Dannie Rossouw should be named as your two-jumpers in the four jersey.

Rossouw’s selection allows us to take one less loose forward, and make way for a seventh front row forward in Chiliboy Ralapela. In my opinion, Rossouw has also improved out of sight as a ball carrier and is less likely to lose it in contact, as he did habitually in the past.

While we’re talking lock forwards, Ryno Elstad is the find of the season. I am not suggesting we take him with us to the 2011 RWC, but – provided he can keep his tempestuous temperament in check (just a little) – he looks like the real deal going into the future. His aggression is great, as is his work rate, and he’s only 21.

I was asked the question by a friend the other day: could we not play Victor and Andries in the same side? For me the answer is no. Whilst the team would be formidable at line out, it would lose an extra ruck hitter and, most importantly, scrummager, which would upset the equilibrium of the pack. The “one long lock/one strong lock” theory must be adhered to. A forward pack needs the grunt, and the grace. With Victor and Andries in the side at once, Jean De Villiers and Jacques Fourie would feel under threat.

One tight forward that enjoys the loose can be negotiated at test level. The same cannot be said for two.

Now here’s a curve ball: what about the best forward in world rugby, Juan Smith, at lock? What about making space for Juan as your two-jumper/number four lock to partner Victor, freeing up space for Schalk to play at seven alongside Heinrich Brossouw at six, and allowing us to select an out-and-out eighth man like Duane Vermeulen? Smith is big and tough. He hits rucks, and is a line out jumper. Could that work?

So, who would you select as your four locks? Who would you start? Could you play Smith there, and if not, why not? How powerful and mobile would we be if we selected Rossouw and Smith, or do we lose the line out dominance? Let us know.

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