Springbok captain John Smit seems happy with only one injury-enforced change to his charges to take on Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
“It makes a big difference having consistency in selection and it’s a wonderful advantage for us. In this game there are no guarantees you’ll be on the field next week because injuries are part and parcel of the game. And they seem to creep in when you’re not being that successful; I can remember 2006 when it felt like we were playing against the best team in the world for six weeks in a row and we were being called the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations. But that’s the way it goes, you have to build a team and learn from those sort of experiences,” Smit said.
“We try to be consistent in selection because that’s how you instil confidence in the players and reward them for working hard,” De Villiers said.
Although the Springboks can almost smell the Tri-Nations title, De Villiers believes his team can do even better.
“You don’t really know when you’re on top, but I know this team can go much, much higher, it has so much talent. Now that we trust each other, we are working on small things. It’s frightening to see how many mistakes you make on a weekend when you played so well, so we are taking nothing for granted,” he said.
Lock Bakkies Botha, with a dodgy knee continues to be rested from training, but De Villiers is confident he will be able to start on Saturday.
P Divvie said Ndungane for Pietersen was because he is a specialist wing and made more sense than shifting one of the utility backs into the position. Ndungane says he has been eagerly awaiting a run for the Boks.
“I feel really excited and honoured, and I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’ve been part of the squad for a quite a while now, just training and doing everything together and just waiting for my opportunity. It’s funny how sport works, you can be in one game and then out the next, so I’m definitely looking to make full use of this opportunity. It’s good to be involved on Saturday,” Ndungane said.
“The weather should be perfect, there shouldn’t be any wind or rain, so it should be a good game for wingers,” he said.
For the record, the Bureau of Meteorology has the following for the weekend:
Friday: Early shower, late thundery rain
Saturday: Rain clearing early
They are usually not way off and with the good drainage at Suncorp it may well be perfect. I will keep an eye on the weather and give an update later in the week.
Disa and WPForever, approved both of you, go forth and blog…oh, and please go back and fill in your full names for the record.
I would say Boks are in good shape for Saturday. The team is very stable now & must be confident as a consequence. Good place to be IMO.
bad luck jp.odwa nail those convicts bra
@Koos –
Where are those buggers?
2 @JimT Yip, I would like to agree with P Divvie that this team can ‘go much, much higher’ but I think they are riding the top of the wave now. I will enjoy it for as long as it lasts but we are but one injury away from a drop in form.
An injury to any of Bakkies, Brussow, Du Preez or Morne and it may not be plain sailing anymore…we just don’t have the players to currently fill the shoes adequately.
4 @Pietman weepeeforeva slaap seker, Disa probably on one of his long lunches again…
On that note Koos, I know Bakkies has been named, but is he fit?
7 @Manlybok P Divvie says yes but he is not training. Will have to wait because Muller is a poor replacement if needed.
PS Odwa is another Border boy, Hudson Park school in E. London
From “Ou Grote”
Odwa Ndungane
Where did you grow up: Umthatha
Favourite International Player: Tana Umaga (Pure class)
Favourite Springbok: Danie Gerber (A great player)
Career Goals: To be the best I can be for the Sharks
What is your motivation or motto in life? What you put in, is what you get out
Describe yourself:
What is the worst part of training hard: Shuttles
What other sports do you play? Soccer
What won’t get you out of bed in the morning? Playing Golf
Pets: None
What is in your fridge at home? Lots of fruit and chicken
What is in your CD collection? Jay-Z & Ringo
Name your three most treasured possessions: Cellphone, Car, House
What really annoys you? Pretenders
About the player… Sharks’ wing Odwa, the identical twin of the Bulls’ and Springbok Akona Ndungane, had a tough 2005 season, but under the tutelage of Skills Coach David Campese, regained his form and confidence for the Sharks in 2006, displaying a willingness to find work, and showing deadly finishing skills, scoring 10 tries in 21 matches last season.
@Koos -5
Koos you are right there mate, if we got a injury now to Bakkies or actually any player from now, it would hurt us. So hoping no injuries until the end of the 3N. Then the playes must rest. Probably wont though and will be straight into the currie cup. So really hoping no injuries until they get a proper rest. That will be after the CC.
Oz are going to be much stronger than last week. The Boks will beat them if they do what they say, which is to treat this game as the last one each of them will play. But they are playing a better Wallaby side than last week, and they are in danger of complacency. Also, the obvious targeting of the weak centre partnership is less likely to succeed this week – that got the Boks two tries in set moves.
@funkyzoo – 12 Not sure why you think this Wallaby side is so much stronger than last week. Too many changes at one time will de-stabilise the team. Boks on the other hand are as strong as the previous week, with Roussow on the bench maybe stronger.
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