Boks putting defeat behind them

Johannesburg – Springbok stalwart Bismarck du Plessis described the somber mood in the camp following their defeat to Japan over the weekend but said the team were looking to put that behind them.

South Africa were looking to bounce back following their humiliating 34-32 defeat to Japan and the talk on Tuesday was all about rectifying the mistakes the team made in their World Cup opener in Brighton.

“It was really an emotional week so far but it is something we have to put in the past and we need to look ahead,” Du Plessis said.

“It was deathly silent on the bus ride to Birmingham but the big thing is the sun came up again and we have to focus on the work for Saturday.”

Before their shock defeat to the Japanese, the Samoa clash was identified as the Springboks’ toughest clash in Pool B.

The Springboks expected a physical battle against the Pacific Islanders, who proved to be a handful at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

South Africa scraped through 13-5 four years ago where the Boks managed to keep their composure in an otherwise ill-tempered affair.

Asked if the team expected any off-the-ball tactics Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth did not believe they had to place any emphasis on their discipline for their crunch match.

“Our focus remains on us and what we can bring to the game and I don’t think discipline will be a major issue,” Etzebeth said.

“We are professional rugby players and we know where to draw the line, so I don’t think it will play a role.”