Lions in SA
Bakkies itching to get at Lions
2009-06-18 13:47
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Bakkies Botha - Lion on the menu?
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JJ HarmseDurban – The Springboks have only one goal against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday – to crush them with physical power play up front.
This way of softening the opposition up front and then hitting hard out back, is perhaps not 100 percent according to the Peter de Villiers book of rugby, but it will be fully supported and encouraged by the Bok coach.
Exactly how physical the Springboks want to be up front, is clear when one listens to experienced Bok Bakkies Botha. The Bok lock is hell bent on forcing the Lions' forwards into submission.
"I have told the team I’m going to play as if it is my last Test. I’m going to give everything. For them and the Green-and-Gold," said Botha.
"That is why we play at this level, I think. To give everything that you have and to try to make a difference for your team and your country," was how Botha described his state of mind.
The big guy knows his fuse is rather short but believes the Lions will not be able to provoke him to such an extent that he gives away penalty kicks. He has even ruled out getting yellow cards.
"They will definitely try to provoke me. In recent years people have continuously trying to pester me. They know I have a short temper and they test my boundaries. I have even learnt a new English word – provoke," said Botha with a big smile.
The 30-year-old farmer makes no secret of enjoying the physical elements of the game more than most players. But he is able to control his emotions much better these days.
"This is a momentous occasion, a historic one for all that are playing against the Lions. We as a team, however, have to focus at hand and not be overwhelmed by the event," said Botha.
He feels that teamwork and experience will be the decisive factor.
"The team has been together for a long time and has experienced a lot. We support one another and trust each other. It makes a big difference. I don't know who will play against me and it doesn’t matter, because I know who is with me."
Botha is happy with the team's preparations. "Our scrum sessions were the final part of the puzzle and they have gone very well. We managed a lot and we will be ready," assured Botha.
Bok captain John Smit shared Botha's opinion. "We are not looking beyond the first Test. It is about getting the first one behind us and only after that, will we look at the second Test," said Smit.
He is satisfied that this Springbok team has all the ammunition to stop the British team in the trenches.
"The deciding factor will be how well we play during the big moments and which of the two teams give away the important penalty kicks. I know these guys will go to war with me. We have been together a long time and the fact that Bakkies is willing to give everything and put his body on the line, shows what commitment there is in this team," said Smit.