Boks can make a name for themselves at Newlands

Erasmus says he is wary of England returnee Cipriani in dead-rubber clash

THERE was pressure all round ahead of the Springboks’ three-Test series against England.

Pressure to perform well and pressure to get the results after a couple of troubled seasons for the hosts. And seeing that the Boks have succeeded in winning the series with a game to go, here are five ways I think the Boks can make it a series whitewash against the English at Newlands today (kickoff 5.05 pm).

The conditions have been a big talking point ahead of the series-concluding Test in Cape Town, and earlier this week, Bok chief Rassie Erasmus said that it would be “stupid to try and play beautiful running rugby” if it’s wet.

Now I’m not going to get into how certain teams still “play” even if it’s wet and windy, but seeing the Boks follow up on some of the impressive attacking spells they’ve produced in the first two Tests would be impressive.

Go direct if you have to, mix it up, just don’t cut the running, the passing and the general attack completely. Use that ammo.

No 8 Duane Vermeulen has been a real pain for the English on the ground, and seeing more of that this afternoon will be great.

The loose forwards, in general, have been good, and a big set-piece performance is a non-negotiable.

Luckily for the hosts, they have real quality front rowers on the bench in Thomas du Toit and Steven Kitshoff, and there’s no introduction needed on Kitshoff ’s impact play. It’s an area which has been an issue for the Boks in recent times, and earlier this week, Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said that they’ll continue to work on it.

With a few big boots in the England backline, the the pressure will be on the Boks’ inexperienced back three.

It’s a test the Boks have to pass, especially in those conditions.

There must be some extreme motivation fuelling one of England rugby’s finest attacking players.

With Danny Cipriani running out in the white No 10 jersey for the first time in a decade, one can only imagine how dead-set the 30-year-old is on making it a game to remember.

Regardless of the conditions, the Wasps pivot’s ability to bring creativity will always be something that can, and should, keep opposition defences alert.

And it’s not something Erasmus needs any briefing on: “Willie (le Roux) will tell you he learnt so much from Cipriani (with the Wasps), just in terms of running lines and attack and picking the right options. So I think we’ll be tested, but it will also depend on the weather.

“He’s a wonderful player... a bit of a naughty one, but he tends to bring wonderful rugby.”

There are not many of issues you can raise about the Springbok outside backs’ recent performances, but they’re certainly going to have to step up their defence in the wider channels.

England can’t be presented with another opportunity to skin them out wide, and with reliable boots from a certain hungry general and Owen Farrell, Mike Brown and Jonny May’s kick-chases shouldn’t be given any scope to try and exploit any gaps left by the Boks.

PHANDO JIKELO/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY/ANA HAPPY AT HOME: Springbok players, with Embrose Papier and Elton Jantjies in front, seem to be enjoying their practice during the captain’s run at Newlands yesterday.