Share

Boks must go for the kill

Gary Boshoff

Losing against Scotland must have come as an unpleasant surprise to Pieter De Villiers after the Springboks started to build a promising momentum towards their first Grand Slam in fifty years. 

While unpleasant, the Springbok coach didn’t show his disappointment in his post-match interviews, in fact, it was refreshing to note that he has brushed up on his interviewing etiquette and was quite relaxed despite the awkward circumstances. 

If the Springboks had pulled this one through De Villiers’ mission to restore faith in his stewardship as the man to lead the Springboks to the 2011 IRB World Cup would have taken a bold step forward.

Instead, he faces a confident England side which has taken equally bold steps forward in their build-up towards 2011!  In fact, Martin Johnson’s promise that strong and decisive leadership would bring out the best in his English side, is surely but slowly becoming reality, or is it?

The English realise that Saturday’s Test is where they must provide the emphatic answer to this question and they can do it by beating the World Champions. 

For De Villiers and Co it is a matter of re-asserting their authority as World Champions and to show their supporters that the Edinburgh result was just an unfortunate slip-up.  Either way, like so many times during this sea-saw season, the Springboks are facing yet another defining moment.

Do the Springboks have the character and resolve to recover from the demoralising defeat against the Scots? 

Can Victor Matfield, the captain, keep his cool under pressure and not show all his team-mates and the whole world that he feels that the Springboks are being done in by the referee?

Can the fierce Springbok forward pack produce one more top class performance that will be good enough to keep the rampaging British at bay?

Will De Villiers give Lambie a chance in the starting line-up or will he opt for the tried and tested Morne Steyn?

It is amazing what confidence can do for a side.  Despite losing against the All Blacks, the English came with a very impressive second half performance and nearly produced an upset. 

They carried that confidence into the next two internationals and are sure to continue on that trajectory against the Springboks on Saturday.  In the English script for Saturday, they will beat the Springboks to end 2010 on a high note.

However, De Villiers and his charges are themselves in need of a desperate lift after a treacherous year: they know a win on Saturday will go a long way in placating the frustrated Springbok fans and for that to happen they have to be at their very best. 

Success on Saturday, no matter in what format, will at least give them a mental boost ahead of what is going to be a very demanding 2011 season.

It is imperative that the Springbok coach show trust in the new recruits: Willem Alberts, Flip Van der Merwe, Patrick Lambie and Adrian Strauss need to get a start to show what they’re worth when the chips are down for South Africa.

I would like to see Ruan Pienaar back behind the scrum with Lambie on flyhalf.  Gio Aplon should be moved back to fullback for this one and Francois Hougaard to the left wing.  De Villiers must utilise all the available talent at his disposal and utilise them effectively.

On Saturday winning must be the only thing for the Springboks and I believe it can only happen if we attack the strong English pack of forwards and prepare for a long hard slog upfront, keeping the ball in hand by either pick and drive or using the first and second channels to get over the advantage line.  Keeping and protecting our possession is the key and must be paramount.

The Springboks can win on Saturday... no, they must win on Saturday!  It is a critical mental milestone ahead of their 2011 campaign. 

Gary Boshoff is a former SARU player and current Afrikaans rugby commentator on SuperSport.

Disclaimer: Sport24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on Sport24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sport24.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE