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Christo Buchner
Witbank – Nick Mallett says the manner in which the Springboks ripped France apart last week came as a shock to the Northern Hemisphere.
“I don’t think rugby people in South Africa even realise how good that performance (at Newlands) was. To beat an accomplished French team, that won the Six Nations, like that, was incredible. There is no doubt that South Africa are the best team in the world,” said the former Springbok coach at the Italian team hotel on Monday.
He also does not view it as a slap in the face that the Boks are resting some key personnel.
“There is so much depth in South African rugby that it probably does not even matter who they play. It’s going to be another formidable team.”
Mallett also beams with pride when he talks about new Bok sensation Gio Aplon.
“I spotted him when he started at Maties and realised then that he’s a very special player. That is why we pulled him in and gave him a chance.
“He’s not easily tackled and his defence is outstanding. No, it’s not a surprise that he’s coming through so strongly. He has all the skills to become a great player and Springbok rugby is blessed to have players like him.
“It definitely makes sense for Peter de Villiers to experiment and try out different combinations. I will even be doing that as I want to give all the players in my squad game time in these two tests.”
Mallett is also not offended by the Boks playing the Italians at smaller stadiums.
“I think it’s fantastic to play at smaller places and take the team to the people there. There is huge appreciation of Springbok rugby in these places and they also deserve to see the players up close. We don’t mind where we play.”
Mallett admitted that he will take the Boks on at scrum time.
“We have a very good front row and it will be stupid not to utilise our strength. That is why we will look to pressurise their front row.”
Chiliboy Ralepelle did impress Mallett when he played as a substitute against the French, though.
“He will not let the team down,” said Mallett.
Witbank – Nick Mallett says the manner in which the Springboks ripped France apart last week came as a shock to the Northern Hemisphere.
“I don’t think rugby people in South Africa even realise how good that performance (at Newlands) was. To beat an accomplished French team, that won the Six Nations, like that, was incredible. There is no doubt that South Africa are the best team in the world,” said the former Springbok coach at the Italian team hotel on Monday.
He also does not view it as a slap in the face that the Boks are resting some key personnel.
“There is so much depth in South African rugby that it probably does not even matter who they play. It’s going to be another formidable team.”
Mallett also beams with pride when he talks about new Bok sensation Gio Aplon.
“I spotted him when he started at Maties and realised then that he’s a very special player. That is why we pulled him in and gave him a chance.
“He’s not easily tackled and his defence is outstanding. No, it’s not a surprise that he’s coming through so strongly. He has all the skills to become a great player and Springbok rugby is blessed to have players like him.
“It definitely makes sense for Peter de Villiers to experiment and try out different combinations. I will even be doing that as I want to give all the players in my squad game time in these two tests.”
Mallett is also not offended by the Boks playing the Italians at smaller stadiums.
“I think it’s fantastic to play at smaller places and take the team to the people there. There is huge appreciation of Springbok rugby in these places and they also deserve to see the players up close. We don’t mind where we play.”
Mallett admitted that he will take the Boks on at scrum time.
“We have a very good front row and it will be stupid not to utilise our strength. That is why we will look to pressurise their front row.”
Chiliboy Ralepelle did impress Mallett when he played as a substitute against the French, though.
“He will not let the team down,” said Mallett.
