Typically South Africa’s barbaric Boks produced the first underhand blow of the 2003 World Cup last night when they accused England’s Martin Johnson of being “one of the dirtiest captains in world rugby” — a mere 24 hours before they are due to touch down in Australia.
As expected, it was the unreconstructed Springbok captain Corne Krige who lit the blue touchpaper before the key qualifying clash against England on October 18.
Krige was the man who left one of his team-mates concussed when he attempted to punch England scrum-half Matt Dawson during the infamous clash at Twickenham last November.
Krige’s increasingly illegal antics in the record 53-3 defeat led to a global outcry… but since then the struggling South Africans have been accused of biting and barbarism during last month’s tri-nations defeat against Australia… and their camp has been rocked by racism and resignations.
Krige shrugged off critisism of his troops last night and said: “I have never played like I did at Twickenham since then. I said sorry to the people I need to.
“Anyway, Martin Johnson is one of the dirtiest captains in world rugby. Why should I have to say anything?”
The South Africans arrive in Perth today where they are expected to come under huge pressure from the local media.
Spotted on the wild streets of Northbridge, the trendy side of Perth: Uruguay. Yes, the entire squad of Latin minnows were to be found, tracksuited and nervous, in the wee hours of the night…. they stood outside one of the louder British-style pubs but, despite please from the local dancing girls, failed to find the courage to enter the establishment.
They’ll need to be braver than that when they face England and South Africa in qualifying over the next fortnight.
If you’re coming over for the World Cup, don’t forget your translator. Yeah, you thought they spoke a rough kind of English here, but I can tell you different.
This morning the Aussie papers talk of a high-profile stoush, a violent bikie and they accuse 100 people of rorting. Not to mention the presence of ramping ambulances. Here’s those words in context, please email [email protected] if you can help unravel this mysterious Australian dialect.
POP starlet Holly Valance has had a “stoush” with her former manager Scott Michaelson.
Nearly 100 first home owners have been caught “rorting” after being granted $7 000 (R32 905) loans but continuing to live with their parents.
Gypsy Jokers “bikie” Graeme Slater has admitted throwing a molotov coacktail at “racing identity” Lou Lewis.
Western Australia Premier Geoff Gallops has had trouble with ambulance “ramping”.
Confused? Me too.