DAVID SHAPSHAK, Johannesburg | Monday 12.15pm.
DONNING the number nine jersey of Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen, President Thabo Mbeki gave the embattled world champions a word of encouragement when he made a surprise visit to their training camp in Johannesburg on Monday.
The Boks face arch rivals New Zealand on Saturday in a crucial Tri-Nations match, but are reeling from three successive record losses to Wales, New Zealand and Australia.
Mbeki said: ”I don’t think we should get discouraged. We have the possibility on Saturday to reverse the losses. From where I sit people always emphasise failure.” But, Mbeki said, ”In reality the overwhelming majority of people in the country are behind the Springboks. Critial comments should not suggest the country has abandoned their Springboks.” Like his predecessor, Nelson Mandela, who wore then-captain Francois Pienaar’s jersey when the Springboks won the 1995 World Cup rugby final, Mbeki put on Van der Westhuizen’s jersey after meeting the squad.
”Good luck. All of us, including the minister of finance, stand behind you. I’m sure we’ll win,” Mbeki said, referring to Trevor Manuel’s infamous comments about supporting the All Blacks.
Springbok coach Nick Mallett thanked Mbeki for the morale-boosting visit. ”The side is absolutely determined to do well,” Mallett said.
A joking Mbeki had some fun when Van der Westhuizen gave him an oversized rugby ball signed by the team, saying ”I just want to make sure the president doesn’t drop the ball.” Mbeki replied, ”yes you can’t drop this ball,” and playfully pretended to scrum down while photographers snapped furiously.