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Boks 'ready' for onslaught

JJ Harmse

East London – South Africa’s convincing 55-11 win over Italy at the Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday was the perfect preparation for their Tri-Nations onslaught.

That is the view of Bok No 8 Pierre Spies, who believes the Boks can now approach their first game against New Zealand on July 10 with peace of mind.

“The victory and the way we played was very important. We spoke about it the entire week,” said Spies.

“It was not just about the weekend. We wanted to lay a foundation for the Tri-Nations.

“We were clinical and that was very important because it will be important to take the same attitude with us on tour.”

Spies believes the first Test can determine the success of the tour, as well as the Boks’ hopes of winning back-to-back titles for the first time.

“The first Test will definitely determine the kind of tour we have. We want to win both games in New Zealand with a view to next year. We have no choice but to win those games,” he said.

Spies believes all three participants used their chances against teams from the Northern Hemisphere to prepare for the Tri-Nations.

“Our dressing room was a satisfied one. We kept to our structures. Italy made it difficult, but we systematically choked the life out of them.”

Spies said the team’s preparation had increased in intensity with every passing day.

“It picked up steam the whole week and we took that to the field. We did not play sparkling rugby, but did the job and systematically built a score.”

Spies increased his Test-try tally to seven with his try in the first half. It’s the most by a Springbok No 8.

“I was not even aware of such a record,” said Spies.

“I enjoy scoring tries because it does not always come your way. We scored a few today, so I’m glad I could be part of that.”

Meanwhile, the return of Tendai (Beast) Mtawarira is the significant feature of the Tri-Nations squad announced on Saturday.

Mtawarira’s problems regarding citizenship have now been sorted out and he is one of five props in the squad.

Francois Hougaard’s inclusion may solve the problems at scrumhalf, where Ricky Januarie seems unable to get going and Ruan Pienaar is apparently not the first choice.

Hougaard, Zane Kirchner, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Francois Louw and Dewald Potgieter are part of a Tri-Nations squad for the first time.

“We have a good squad here,” said Bok coach Peter de Villiers.

“Most of our first-choice players are available, but at the same time the new players showed what they are capable of. Nobody can rest on his laurels and that is exactly what I want as coach.”

The Springboks fly out to New Zealand on Saturday.

The Bok squad:


Zane Kirchner, Gio Aplon, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Juan de Jongh, Morné Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, Butch James, Enrico Januarie, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski, Dewald Potgieter, Schalk Burger, Francois Louw, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Jannie du Plessis, CJ van der Linde, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Tendai Mtawarira, Chiliboy Ralepelle, John Smit (captain)
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