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Mannetjies: Boks unfit, lack passion

Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Mannetjies Roux has shared his thoughts about what he feels is lacking with the current team.

Roux spoke to Netwerk24 after being honoured as Griquas’ best ever player at the union’s 130-year anniversary celebrations this past weekend.

Regarding the Springboks’ current woes, Roux said: “Let’s talk about passion. The passion is lacking. They would really like to win, but if they don’t win, then it’s also OK.

“There are many reasons. I think their fitness is not up to scratch. They always play well in the first half, inside the first five minute they score a try and then they fade away for the rest of the match.”

At the function at Griqua Park in Kimberley, Roux also received Griquas’ best backline player of all time award, while the victorious Currie Cup side of 1970 - which Roux captained - was one of three teams that achieved milestones.

The others were the sides of 1979 and 1998.

Andre van Wyk was honoured as Griquas’ best forward of all times, while Eric Reginald "Bushy" Oliver received the best fan of all time award.

Griquas’ finest hour was arguably their 1970 Currie Cup triumph, when they stunned Northern Transvaal 11-9 in the final in Kimberley.

Roux, 77, played 27 Tests for the Springboks between 1960 and 1970.

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