Springbok coach Harry Viljoen wore a smile on Saturday evening for all the right reasons - 16 of his 2003 World Cup Opportunity Enhancement players won selection to the Springboks, SA 'A' and South African under 23 squads.

Five other players in the 28-strong (OEP)total were not considered because of injury, while Viljoen was the first to acknowledge that a lack of provincial game time counted against some of the intake.

"It is an encouraging start," said Viljoen. "The main purpose of the program is the fasttracking of quality players for participation at the 2003 World Cup and the representing of South Africa at an 'A' level. I have never set my sights on a particular number who should come through to play for the Boks, South Africa 'A' or at age group level. It is about identifying talent, letting them know they have been recognised and then giving them whatever assistance they need in order for them to make it. If a player ultimately does not make it, then we have to accept it is because he is not good enough. It should not be for a lack of opportunity."

Viljoen, having consulted with his assistant coaches Tim Lane and Jake White and Sarfu's Game Development Department, compiled a list of 28 players he felt had the ability to represent the Springboks or South Africa 'A' in the next two years.

The players, who assembled in Cape Town six weeks ago for an introduction, will meet 10 times next year (once a month from January to October). Viljoen and his national coaching staff will hold practical sessions with the squad while they will also benefit from off-the-field tuition.

"It is an exciting venture and it has been given a boost by the fact that such a large percentage of the initial squad has made the end of year tours. The response of the players involved has been outstanding. There is a very capable management team who regularly liaise with the players and their respective provincial coaches. The players know they have to work to stay in the (OEP) squad and so far they have responded with the kind of attitude that will make this program beneficial to South African rugby," said Viljoen.

The Bok coach has been particularly impressed with the likes of Gcobani Bobo and Bulls lock Bakkies Botha, while the continued development of Lions prop Lawrence Sephaka is among the big positives of the season.

"Bobo and Botha are just two examples of what can be achieved in a short space of time. They got a sniff that they were in the national frame and stepped it up with a series of very promising Currie Cup performances. Lawrence has been in my plans from my first tour as a Bok coach. He did well playing in the midweek Bok team and has always performed in the SA under 23 side. I am sure he is going to be able to take the next step during this tour," said Viljoen, who admitted that next season's Vodacom Super 12 would be another significant advance for the program.

"I am sure that by virtue of their end of year performances many of the players will be able to play a role in next year's Super 12. For a player like Lawrence it is important he plays in the competition. I am confident he will get sufficient opportunity because the development of our promising talent will be determined by the opportunities they are afforded."

2003 World Cup Opportunity Enhancement squad players selected for the respective national teams: Adrian Jacobs, Lawrence Sephaka (Boks), Bakkies Botha (SA 'A'), Frikkie Welsh (SA 'A', SA u23), Gavin Passens (SA 'A'),Coenrad Groenewald (Sau23),Hanyani Shimange (SA u23), Gcobani Bobo (SA 'A', SA u23),Isak Job (SA u23), Daan Human (SA 'A'), Friedrich Lombard (SA 'A', SA u23), Hendro Scholtz (SA 'A', SA u23), Wylie Human (SA 'A', Sau23), Quinton Davids (SA 'A'), Faan Rautenbach (SA 'A', Sau23), Wayne Julies (SA 'A', SA u23).