J.J Harmse

Udine - Self-confidence is a huge ally, but it can also be an enemy if not utilised correctly.

Take the Springbok team who beat Italy 32-10 at the Stadio Fruili on Saturday for example.

This was a team who, unlike last week against France, did not accept that their level of play and talent alone would ensure victory.

This time the Boks knew that they had to work for it.

They had the confidence to win in spectacular fashion, but not before they played the right rugby at the right times.

There had been speculation surrounding the effectiveness of the Bok scrum. However, nobody knew that the first scrum would only take place after 21 minutes - by which the visitors were already in the lead after two well executed tries.

The fact that Italy could come back and thanks to their scrummaging, only found themselves 7-12 at halftime, is a clear indication of the hosts' strength in this facet of play.

Just as it was with the All Blacks last week, so too did the Bok scrum buckle, due to thanklessly satisfying displays by new inclusions, Wian du Preez and Adriaan Strauss, who started in a Test for the first time.

However, the Boks' scrum, with John Smit back at hooker and BJ Botha and Beast Mtawarira as props, did manage to push the Italians back later on and served as encouragement with one eye ahead to the Test against Ireland.

This Springbok team is too seasoned to allow any one weak department to hinder their play.

Brilliant tactical kicking, excellent counter-attacks and tight defence were again allies against an opponent that does not have much to offer at the back, in spite of a well-schooled back three.

There were considerable positives to be taken out of the match, such as the performances of lock, Andries Bekker and fullback Zane Kirchner.

Danie Rossouw once again underlined his versatility as a utility player, firstly at flank and then as the eighthman.

The speed and running lines of Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie and Fourie du Preez has trumped the greatest of defences in the world - and the Italians are still looking for them.

It was a good day on the pitch, yet still not a brilliant one.

Maybe this Saturday against the Irish?