Boks training hard for ‘tough’ clash against Australia

THE Springboks took time out to enjoy Heritage Day at the opening of the impressive Springbok Experience museum at the Waterfront yesterday, where they were reminded of the best traditions of what the emblem stands for.

But by yesterday afternoon it was all business as they headed back to the training field in Bellville to prepare for Saturday’s crucial Rugby Championship encounter against the Wallabies at Newlands.

Three weeks ago in Brisbane, SA scored a record 38-12 away win over Australia thanks to a monumental forward effort that smashed the Wallabies attacking platform to pieces.

A controversial 29-15 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland a week later has left the Boks four points adrift of New Zealand at the top of the standings with two rounds remaining. It means Saturday’s clash is a must-win, and possibly a mustwin with a bonus point.

“We had success overseas against them (Australia) but it will be different this weekend and we’re under no illusions it will be tough,” hooker Adriaan Strauss, who is set to start ahead of Bismarck du Plessis, said.

“Of course we’ll take confidence from Brisbane but this will be a totally different challenge.

“They will pick themselves up, they’ll be motivated and they will improve, especially among the forwards,” he said.

“I’m not sure if they’ll start with (prop) Benn Robinson and (lock) James Horwill but whatever they do we’re expecting a totally different challenge to Brisbane. Horwill is an exceptional player and a good leader, which will give them a lift.”

The Bok scrum was central to that victory and Robinson’s likely inclusion could help shore up Australia’s creaking set piece.

Strauss though was not as dismissive of the Wallaby scrum as most observers of the game. “Everyone is starting to settle into the new laws and their scrum will be better,” Strauss said.

“I’m sure they’ve been working hard at that aspect of their game.

”We expect them to be emotional about it and get fired up about it,” Strauss said.

“But we’ve also been working hard on scrumming and we are positive about what we’ve achieved so far. We want to keep using it as a weapon in the game, but every match you start from scratch.”

Flank Siya Kolisi, who is likely to keep his place on the bench for a debut Test appearance at his home ground, was forthright about where the Boks need to lift their game.

“We’ve slipped up on one-on-one tackling and we can also improve our kicking game,” Kolisi said with the maturity of a 50-Test veteran.

“We need to put ourselves in better positions, execute more accurately and stick to our systems.

“We’ve been working exceptionally hard at the breakdown with coach Richie Gray because it’s such a huge part of the game.”

The Boks have also moved on from Eden Park where Du Plessis was erroneously shown a red card.

It ultimately robbed the South Africans of any chance of winning the game.

Despite a strong feeling of injustice, the Springboks have not complained and simply looked inward rather than at external factors contributing to their defeat.

“After the All Blacks game coach Heyneke (Meyer) and captain Jean (de Villiers) handled it really well and while we were disappointed with the defeat, we have moved on,” Strauss said. “We are focused on the two games ahead and especially on the Wallabies this weekend. It doesn’t help us to dwell on Eden Park.”