Boks must be cool, calm and collected
If they stick to their plans and silence the crowd, they will halt Japanese juggernaut
SPRINGBOK scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies says it’s going to be important that they “stay in the moment” when they face Japan in their World Cup quarter-final on Sunday (12.15pm SA time kick-off).
While Japan would have impressed the whole rugby world with their Pool A-topping run en route to the play-offs, they will have another thing in their favour this weekend – the crowd.
The Boks have also enjoyed good support while in Japan, but there’s no doubt as to who will have an intensely passionate extra man on their side come Sunday.
While Jantjies said it’s not something you can “ever really prepare for”, he’s confident they’ll find a way to deal with it, especially where on-field communication is concerned.
“It’s a tough one – I don’t think you can ever prepare for it, because it’s going to be packed. It will be important for us to stay in the moment and not let that get to any of us,” he said.
“The difficult thing will be to communicate on the field, but I’m sure we will find something to fix that.”
The 23-year-old Jantjies, who’s been massive since bursting onto the international stage, was a slight injury concern after having picked up a knock after coming off the bench in the Boks’ final pool game against Canada last week.
He and star wing Cheslin Kolbe have since been declared fit to play by coach Rassie Erasmus, and the Stormers excitement package yesterday said he’s good to go after having taken part in full training.
“I healed up quite nicely – my hamstring is fine and I trained yesterday (Tuesday). Feeling good for today’s training,” Jantjies said.
Japan’s ball handling, their hightempo attacking game in general, has been one of the most pleasing sights during the tournament.
They’ve scored some stunning tries – the last batch coming in their drama-filled fixture against Scotland – and their try-hungry backs will certainly have to be tamed.
Those slick offloads, running lines and support play are one thing, but when it comes to the battle up front, the Boks will be confident.
It’s not like they lack X-factor among their backs themselves ...
Sticking to their own strengths, though, is what’ll equip them to go the distance, according to Jantjies.
“Japan play a fast brand of rugby, and it’s important for us not to lose our cool, and keep sticking to what we do best. Hopefully, we can nullify their pace, and it can turn out to be a good day for us.”