After naming a new-look Springbok team in Bloemfontein on Monday, coach Jake White conceded that Ireland are the favourites heading into the first Test at Vodacom Park on Saturday.
”Ireland must be favourites. They beat England earlier this year and have a more settled combination and some truly world-class stars,” admitted White at the team hotel.
The Irish are, however, playing down their favourites tag, instead instilling the hosts as the team to beat this coming weekend despite being ranked one spot ahead of the Boks in the official world rankings.
In naming his match 22 for his first Test in charge, White handed three players — prop Eddie Andrews, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and wing Henno Mentz — new caps.
”The backline is a little inexperienced, but they all have Super 12 experience and have therefore played against some of the best in the world. I have full faith in this team,” said White.
But a serious ankle injury to inside centre De Wet Barry has compounded White’s problems, with the burly midfielder ruled out for up to five weeks.
Barry’s withdrawal is a massive blow to the team and will rob the backline of one of its most experienced players and key playmakers.
Wayne Julies will now start the match, while Cats centre Jacque Fourie returns to the squad and will start on the bench.
”De Wet has injured his ankle quite badly,” confirmed a disheartened White following the afternoon’s practice session.
”This is a massive blow for us as he and Marius [Joubert] are a superb centre combination, but Wayne and Marius have played together at Boland before, so from that point of view it’s fine.”
Barry is back in Cape Town and will have the freak injury monitored closely.
”It’s quite amazing that he has torn ligaments as well as getting a fracture of the cartilage, which is quite serious, and all in a shadow session.”
White is hoping to have Barry and a host of other players off the injured list in time for the Tri-Nations campaign.
”Hopefully we will be at full strength by then, but for now its up to the boys in the team to show just what they are made of.”
Barry has been in sublime form this season and together with partner Joubert was expected to combat the lethal Irish pair of Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll.
O’Driscoll has long been regarded as one of the finest centres in the world and along with D’Arcy has created havoc for opposition defences.
Since announcing his squad at the beginning of last month, White has seen no less than five players fall victim to various ailments, while a sixth, Percy Montgomery, is also ruled out of the first Test. Montgomery arrived at the camp with a broken hand.
New cap Du Preez was confident that the team will be able to produce the goods against Ireland.
”My boot is going to be vital in keeping the ball in front of the forwards, but we are definitely going to use the backs,” said Du Preez, hinting at an expansive game plan against the Irish.
”The guys are confident and it’s been a great plus factor that we have been together for such a long time.”
Wing Mentz, who has risen from seconnd-team rugby at Ermelo High School to one of the most dangerous runners in the game, has put the disappointment of missing out on the original squad behind him.
”I did think, why not? But I never gave up and just picked my head up and I’m totally focused on the game on Saturday.
”I think the Irish are a formidable side, but I learnt a lot in the Super 12 and now I have the chance to prove that I belong at this level.” — Sapa
Springbok team: Gaffie du Toit, Breyton Paulse, Marius Joubert, Wayne Julies, Henno Mentz, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fourie du Preez; Pedrie Wannenburg, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Eddie Andrews, John Smit (captain), Os du Randt.
Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, Faan Rautenbach/CJ van der Linde, Quinton Davids, Jacques Cronje, Bolla Conradie, Jacque Fourie, Brent Russell.