FRIDAY, 8.45AM:
SPRINGBOK coach Nick Mallett is aware that South Africa are facing the strongest challenge in their European tour when they meet England at Twickenham on Saturday. He said their 52-10 win over France last weekend means nothing now.
“When one side plays so well you have to take the opposition into account. The French played so badly they lost heart,” said Mallett. “England certainly won’t lose heart so we might have to grind out a victory.”
Mallett said it will be difficult but South Africa must be patient if they come up against the same defence shown by the British Lions in South Africa. He said the ‘Boks may have to play differently to win: “There are two factors to take into consideration, the weather and the quality of the opposition.” He said last week against France both points were in their favour. He added that England played very well against New Zealand last week and their defence was very strong.
“Obviously, we would like to play flamboyantly and score lots of tries, but occasionally you have to change your approach,” he said.
SPORT BRIEFS
JAKE WHITE PROMOTEDNICK Mallet’s technical advisor Jake White — currently touring Europe with the Springbok — will become manager of coaching for the Gauteng Lions when the international tour ends against Scotland on December 6.
WP IN PROFITWESTERN Province rugby union president Ronnie Masson on Thursday reported a profit of nearly R3 million. This comes at a time when other Unions are running at a loss.
BUCKS BACK ON TOP BUSH Bucks are back at the top of the Premier Soccer League table after beating AmaZulu in a closely contested match at Umtata Stadium on Wednesday night. Bucks beat AmaZulu 2-1, with all goals scored in the second half. Wilfred Mugeyi and Thabo Mngomeni scored for Bucks and Sisa Amasi replied for the visitors.
A rejuvenated Orlando Pirates beat Wits University 2-0 at FNB Stadium. Dimunitive midfielder Steve Lekoela opened the score for the “Buccaneers”, and super-sub Andries Sebola made it 2-0 for Pirates.
NEW GLIDING RECORD SOUTH African gliding champion Frank Jaschinski broke the national distance record of 314km by flying from Kuruman to Kerksdorp in six hours 18 minutes.
BOLAND BEATS WINDIES A The touring West Indies A team lost to Boland by six runs in a day-night cricket match at Paarl on Wednesday. This was their first defeat in six outings. Boland, who won the toss and batted first, hit 202/6, thanks to Chad Grainger, who contributed 81 and was voted man of the match. The Windies replied with 196/8.
OLIVIER HEADS BULLS FORMER Pretoria mayor Piet Olivier was on Wednesday elected as the new president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. Olivier defeated Chris de Beer by 44 votes to 34. Other office bearers: Deputy president Dolf van Huyssteen, vice presidents De Beer, Piet Nieman, Dave Bergman, Boet Fick, Piet Steyn.
NITCH TO QUARTERS SOUTH Africa’s Claire Nitch is through to the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Classic squash tournament.