Lions in SA
Lions legend: Pick Brüssow
2009-06-29 22:14
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Bright future for Bok flank (Gallo)
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Joe VenterBloemfontein – British and Irish Lions legend JPR Williams, a popular fullback in the 1970s Wales team, has nothing but praise for Cheetahs flank Heinrich Brüssow.
"Why the Springbok management doubt Heinrich Brüssow's abilities, I don't know."
Williams said he failed to understand why the flank, who had a superb Super 14 series, is being sidelined by the Bok camp.
First he wasn't good enough for the final Bok squad and then after playing brilliantly in the first Test, was left out of the starting team for the Loftus Test.
Williams believes that Brüssow could become a truly great player. "I believe Brüssow has the right build for a No 6 flank. I think Brüssow will become an exceptional player and join the ranks of Richie MaCaw"
Williams predicted that South Africa will also win the third Test against the Lions at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday. "I believe the Boks will have far too much ammunition for the visitors."
"I think the Boks were lucky to win the second Test. I still believe that Jaque Fourie's try should not have been allowed. But with that try, the Lions also lost their last chance to win the series or to share it."
"All the odds are against the Lions in the Test on Saturday in Johannesburg. The several injuries will make it difficult for Ian McGeechan (coach) to pick a competitive team. I also believe the team spirit is just not there. They play for money and whether they win or lose, they get paid and these men want to go home."
Williams said he had been travelling with the team for a few weeks and it didn't look like the guys really knew one another. "We (his former team) didn't stay in single rooms. We knew each other well and shared much joy with one another. That is why the team spirit was there. It seems to me that the professional era has changed everything."
"The Boks are now at the top of their game. They know how to win and I think this game will be an easy one for them."
Williams pointed out that the Boks had fewer injuries and that they could only do better. "I still say the Boks didn't win the second Test – the Lions lost it. And now misery awaits the touring team."
If he were to be asked by the Lions team management to send a message to the players, it would be a simple one: "Go play rugby to enjoy the match. Don't concern yourself with the score."
"I wouldn't really be upset if the guys lost."