Share

Boks aren't boring - Rossouw

Wellington - Six superb tries showed that the Springboks are capable of playing a less predictable game, Springbok lock Danie Rossouw said after his team’s 49-3 World Cup victory over Fiji on Saturday.

Click to BUY the new Drifta Mobile USB Decoder

Click to BUY the Rugby World Cup 2011 Game for Xbox

"We are always accused of playing boring rugby, but today we threw the ball around a bit and look at the result," said the versatile lock forward who was named man-of-the-match.

During the match Rossouw displayed skills with ball-in-hand most backline players would be proud of, while his role as lineout coordinator was just as impressive.

As for the victory, Rossouw could not emphasise just how important it was for the team.

"We really needed this win," he said.

"It has definitely helped us with our confidence and I think it is a kind of a turning point for us.

"We needed to show that we can score some tries and we are really happy with the performance."

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers praised his go-to man for his contribution on the night, but added that he would not have had as much space to run freely, had it not been for the hard work from the rest of the forwards.

"Danie’s performance will come down to our structures," said De Villiers.

"He just fitted in and chose the right lines when he ran onto the ball and to look at him, an old man with a new revitalised 'engine' in the game here; I’m very pleased with him.

"Before we announced the team my concern about him was that he played eight, seven, he played four and five as well and all those different positions call for different tactics and running lines and responsibilities and roles.

"So for him to fit in like that; yes I take my hat off to him," said the coach.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1137 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1311 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2010 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE