Houggard still in World Cup frame

South Africa's U21 fly-half Derick Hougaard is still in the picture to make the World Cup squad, Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli insists.

Hougaard stunned Western Province in the opening round of the Currie Cup last weekend with a superb performance for the Blue Bulls.

He contributing 27 points as the defending champions crushed the Cape superpower 64-29.

But, despite his obvious talent, and dominant displays like those which drove the Blue Bulls to Currie Cup victory last year, he has been ignored by the national selectors for the Springbok side.

Several critics have pointed to a rift, which appeared to open up last December when Bulls coach Rudy Joubert had a public dispute with the young fly-half and signalled his intention to use Louis Koen ahead of him.

Joubert used Hougaard in only one full game in the Super 12, prompting calls of bias against the young fly-half.

South Africa U21 coach Jake White also started Francois Swart above Hougaard in the IRB U21 World Cup as he expressed his displeasure with Hougaard’s fitness levels.

Swart is currently on the bench for the Blue Bulls, with Hougaard first-choice fly-half.

And Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has said South Africa would be making a “huge mistake” if they went to the World Cup without Hougaard.

The allegations of bias came after Joubert was elevated to backline coach of the Springbok side and ignored the youngster again despite several good performances, including an inspirational one for the South African A side.

Straeuli told journalists that Hougaard knew what he needed to do to make the World Cup side.

“He (Hougaard) is someone who still has a chance to play in the World Cup.

“It’s not as if we’re totally unaware of him. He knows exactly what’s expected of him,” said Straeuli.

“What I wrote in my personal letter to Derick is confidential. He’s got a lot of potential, and I, Rudy (Joubert) and Heyneke (Meyer) have made it clear what’s expected of him.”