Springbok skipper Corne Krige believes the recent race row that led to lock Geo Cronje being booted out of camp has strengthened the Rugby World Cup squad.
And England, whose clash with South Africa in the west Australian city of Perth on October 18 is expected to settle who tops Group C and dodges the New Zealand All Blacks in the quarterfinals, agree.
White Cronje allegedly refused to share a room with coloured teammate Quinton Davids leading to his expulsion and neither player was named in the 30-man squad for the World Cup.
But flanker Krige has allayed fears that the storm, which dominated the domestic media for several weeks, would destroy a squad already reeling from record losses to France, Scotland, England and New Zealand.
”People who believe our heads have dropped are gravely mistaken. In fact, we’re drawing closer and closer to each other and ready to tackle the world,” Krige says.
The row also led to the resignation of Springbok spokesperson Mark Keohane, a former journalist who said he did not wish to be part of a squad in which ”prejudice is tolerated”.
England coach Clive Woodward has publicly warned his squad to expect a much tougher match than the 53-3 rout at Twickenham last December in which Bok lock Jannes Labuschagne was sent off midway through the first half.
”Any team in that situation [race row], if they can handle it correctly, can get huge strength out of what is going on,” said the coach.
”Sometimes things happen which, from the outside, might seem negative but internally can bond a team together. I’ve no doubt they’re going to be a real force in the World Cup,” Woodward said.
England wing Dan Luger believes the Springboks will emerge stronger from the turmoil that led to a inquiry into racism in rugby under a retired judge. Initially scheduled for this month, it was postponed until after the World Cup.
”I think the problems the Springboks have had recently might help them. The situation could have brought them closer together and enhanced the team spirit, which can only be good for them.
”It certainly won’t distract the Springboks and whatever has happened, they will still be fired up because Perth promises to be a massive physical game.” – Sapa-AFP