Beast on Springboks transformation
YOKOHAMA. — Veteran Zimbabwe-born prop Tendai Mtawarira believes the Springboks are a side truly representative of South Africa as they prepare for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against England.
Governmental pressures and a need to transform have accompanied South African sport for years now, and Mtawarira knows that better than most, having been part of the Boks set- up for over a decade.
The man affectionately known as “Beast” was even the subject of a political debate during the 2010 international season when an ANC member of parliament suggested Mtawarira should not be playing for the Boks because he was born in Zimbabwe.
Now, all these years later, Mtawarira stands as the most capped black Springbok of all time with 116 Tests to his name and he is on the verge of his greatest achievement yet.
Now 34-years-old, Mtawarira considers himself 100 percent South African and believes this Boks side under coach Rassie Erasmus are on the right track in terms of transformation.
“It is really important that the team is well represented,” he said.
“I’ve had the privilege to see the team evolve to get to now . . . so many guys of colour who have been excellent and are deserving of their places in the squad.
“It is something Rassie was honest about, that we need to get the balance correct and we need to get a team that really represents our country.
“I think we have now achieved that. I think it has been good so far.”
Mtawarira also had special words for his captain, Siya Kolisi.
“What Siya has achieved has been remarkable. For a young kid from Zwide township in Port Elizabeth to rise above his circumstances and become Springbok captain, and lead the way he has, it’s been inspirational to all South Africans — from all walks of life,” he said.
“We are all proud of him, and we ultimately want to make it very special for him on Saturday.
“It would be amazing for South Africa for us to win the World Cup. A lot has gone into the preparation, and the road Siya has walked to get to here has been inspirational already.
“For that to be sealed off with winning the World Cup would be pretty amazing.”
On a personal level, though, Mtawarira knows exactly what will be at stake on Saturday come kick-off at 11am (Zimbabwean time).
“All the things I’ve achieved in my career, and the tough lessons I’ve had to learn, everything has led to this moment,” he said.“I’m very proud of this achievement to get here. I’ve walked a long road, and just looking forward to making it count on Saturday.” — AFP.
YOKOHAMA. — South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi will earn his 50th Test cap in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final against England in Yokohama.
The 28- year- old made his debut back in 2013 against Scotland in Nelspruit.
He was given the full- time Bok captaincy in 2018 when Rassie Erasmus replaced Allister Coetzee as national coach.
A serious knee injury in 2019, however, meant that Kolisi was a doubt for this year’s show- piece.
He used the pool stages of the tournament to help rediscover his full fitness and, unless something goes wrong between now and then, he will lead the Boks out into battle against Eddie Jones’ men as they look to secure a third Webb Ellis Cup.
“It’s a great achievement for your captain to have his 50th cap in this game,” said forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.
“Duane ( Vermeulen) and Pieter- Steph ( du Toit) have gone past 50; Eben Etzebeth 80, Beast ( Tendai Mtawarira) 118 I think, Steven ( Kitshoff ) is getting close to 50, Frans ( Malherbe) is about 40 to 45.
“So, the group as a pack is really experienced, and what’s impressed me is how they solve their problems internally. A lot of guys have been here and are in their second World Cup, and we have empowered these guys to handle the situation.
“I must mention, being a forwards coach and my contact time with the forwards, how mature the guys have become over the last three or four years.”
Kick- off on Saturday is at 11am ( Zimbabwean time).
Meanwhile, former England flyhalf and renowned commentator Stuart Barnes says the Springboks should bench their inspirational captain Kolisi for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama.
Via a column for The Times, Barnes called on Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to include Francois Louw in the starting team for the final against England.
Louw replaced Kolisi in the 69th minute of last weekend’s 19- 16 semi- final win over Wales and proved influential when he won a vital penalty on the ground in the 74th minute.
The Welsh were hot on the attack at that stage, with the game on a knife edge at 16- all.
“South Africa have more chance of winning without their captain. Erasmus, if he can indeed ignore the ‘ historical and political perspective’, should select his captain on the bench,” Barnes wrote.
Louw’s familiarity with the English players is given as a reason for punting his inclusion.
“The No. 6 shirt should be worn by the South African who knows the game of Sam Underhill, England’s key man, better than anyone — his fellow Bath flanker Francois Louw. Kolisi does not only represent black people but everyone in South Africa. The decision should be colour- blind.” — AFP.
SHANGHAI. — Rory McIlroy said yesterday that Tiger Woods is reaping the benefits of a more “mellow” approach to life after the American secured a historic 82nd PGA Tour win this week.
The 43-year-old Woods reached another milestone with victory on Monday at the Zozo Championship in Japan, equalling Sam Snead’s 54-year-old record of Tour triumphs.
McIlroy, who finished tied third, said he had seen up close how Woods has changed as a person during a brilliant career punctuated by some high-profile personal problems.
“He’s opened up a lot the last few years,” the Northern Irishman and current world number two, said on the eve of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
“I think I’m in a fortunate position that I live quite close to him and we’ve been able to develop quite a good relationship.
“I’ve seen in the private moments who he is as a person and what a great dad he is, how seriously he takes that side of his life as well. It’s been great to see.”
That more open and approachable manner has been noted by Woods’ fellow professionals, said McIlroy.
“I think previously in his career he didn’t take the camaraderie or the being one of the guys as seriously as he does now as he transitions to this latter part of his career,” said McIlroy.
“He’s definitely mellowed as a person and probably sees the bigger picture a little more than he used to.”
Woods, who will not play in Shanghai, has taken his fellow Americans Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler under his wing and become something like a mentor to them, McIlroy said.
The 30-year-old, a four-time Major winner, believes that a roaring Tiger can only be good for golf.
“If Tiger’s doing well, the game of golf in general thrives so it’s good for everyone involved and I think we’re happy for him,” he said, referring to Woods’ rivals on the course. — AFP.