Lions in SA
Boks to keep foot on the pedal
2009-06-29 07:18
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JJ HarmsePretoria – It was great winning the second Test in Pretoria, but the Springboks are still not satisfied with their form. That is why there is no chance that the pressure will abate now that the series against the British and Irish Lions has been won.
This is the opinion of Springbok rugby captain, John Smit.
“There is definitely enough motivation left for us. We have standards to uphold. Much work needs to be done, especially thinking ahead to the international rugby awaiting us. We therefore want to improve and build momentum in the process. The team is still not playing the rugby they are capable of.”
He was full of praise for his team and the strong fightback that helped them get the win. Morné Steyn, who in the final moments of the game, made the huge penalty kick to give the Boks the lead, got a special pat on the back from his captain.
“I now know how Victor feels in the Super14. It was a big kick. Morné’s kick and the one by Willem de Waal earlier in the week shows what kind of temperament the guys have to have. To handle that kind of pressure in only your second Test, was enormous and Morné showed what he was made of.”
Smit was also satisfied with the two tries that fired up the fightback in the second half.
“Bryan (Habana’s) and Jaque (Fourie’s) tries put us in front. With about 20 minutes left we started to get momentum and became committed to win the match.”
Smit admitted the poor start nearly sank the team, though.
“I can’t think of a Test where we started so badly. We focused the whole week on getting the series in the bag and after that start, it seemed unlikely. Some harsh words were said at half-time, but the praise came afterwards.”
He believes experience in difficult situations helped to contribute to the good result.
“It is a special team. The guys are a family who like to play for their country and pull things from a hat like on Saturday.”