When the Springboks returned from their disastrous European tour at the end of last year, coach Rudolf Straeuli and captain Corne Krige fired an ominous warning to England.
”We’ll see you in Perth,” they both crowed, referring to the crunch pool encounter against England in Perth on October 18. It was a bold statement considering Martin Johnson’s men had just annihilated South Africa to the tune of 53-3 — the Springboks biggest defeat in their illustrious history.
But on the eve of their departure for Australia on Saturday, Straeuli did a complete about turn, admitting at a press conference that England were the favourites to win the William Webb Ellis trophy.
”England are definitely favourites,” said Straeuli on Friday, ”but we are as ready as we can be. Just like in 1995 we might not be the best team on paper, but we will be the fittest.”
”We are now fully focused on Uruguay [on October 11] and it will be a tough opener. There are other teams in our pool that deserve our full attention,” said the former Springbok loose forward.
The Springboks face England in the crunch encounter at Perth’s Subiaco Oval — it is undoubtedly the most important match the Springboks have played since that epic final at Ellis Park eight years ago.
All their World Cup hopes and dreams are balanced on a knife-edge that is the 80 minutes against the current first-ranked team in the world.
Victory and the Springboks take the high road to the final with a possible quarterfinal against Wales and a semifinal against France before facing either England, New Zealand or the hosts in the November 22 championship decider.
A loss will mean Corne Krige’s men will have to overcome New Zealand and Australia to make it into their second final in three tournaments.
”I have no concerns. I actually can’t wait to leave. This is an exciting young team and we have nothing to lose because no one expects us to perform,” said Krige.
The Boks had a busy day, meeting both President Thabo Mbeki for tea and former president Nelson Mandela for lunch as they sought inspiration from the nation’s leaders.
”It was an honour and a privilege to be invited by the president and we know that the whole country is behind us — from him down,” said Straeuli.
Team manager Gideon Sam said that ”Madiba’s encouragement is always welcome and I think it had a profound effect on everyone present.”
After the controversies — most notably the racism row — that have plagued the squad in recent months, both the coach and captain said all that was behind them.
”We know there will be questions in Australia [regarding the race row] and we are not going to shy away from that and we are prepared to deal with it when we get back,” said Straeuli.
”There is huge excitement. We all just want to get there. Every player is really focused and we have taken things to heart and now there is a huge job ahead of us,” said the tough-as-nails flanker.
The Springboks depart at 6.30pm on Saturday. — Sapa