The Springboks have adopted a new motto ahead of the all-important Vodacom Tri-Nations clash with Australia in Durban next weekend — ”All or nothing.”
Following the thrilling 40-26 victory over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, the Springboks have a very realistic chance of winning the trophy for only the second time.
But they could also end last.
”It’s amazing that if we lose we will come last, but if we win we will come first. It’s just been an unbelievably tight tournament,” said a happy Jake White shortly after the win.
Australia currently head the standings with nine log points on points difference from New Zealand, while South Africa are in third with seven log points.
The Springboks have only ever won the Tri-Nations trophy once before –in 1998 when Nick Mallett was in charge.
On Saturday the Boks ran in five wonderful tries — three by centre Marius Joubert — to the All Blacks’ two, to earn five valuable log points.
”This was the biggest match this team has played so far — and next week [against the Wallabies] will be even bigger,” said White, who singled out his two assistant coaches Gert Smal and Allister Coetzee for special praise.
Coetzee’s efforts are evidenced by the fact that the five tries scored on Saturday were all scored by backline players — Marius Joubert (3), Breyton Paulse and Jean de Villiers.
Joubert said that a few choice words from his coach before kick-off had spurred him to his man-of-the-match performance.
”I haven’t had a great season so far and I wanted to impress. Also the coach had a few words just before we ran on,” he said.
Joubert’s three-try burst meanwhile elevated him to an elite group of just two players who have scored hat-tricks in Springbok/All Black encounters for either side.
Legendary wing Ray Mordt is the only other player to achieve that accolade when he crossed the line three times during the ill-fated tour to New Zealand in 1981.
White’s young charges are on the verge of a huge achievement, but he has instructed them to savour the moment. ”The guys must enjoy the moment. This is one of those things that under-6s start playing rugby for.”
He added that the euphoria from the five tries to two win would not impact negatively on the preparation for the crunch match against the World Cup runners-up.
All Black coach Graham Henry and captain Tana Umaga, both conceded that they had been beaten by a superior Springbok team on the day.
”South Africa played very well and they were clearly the best team out there,” said Henry. ”We’ve been into their changeroom to congratulate them.”
”By the end we were pretty much desperate to cross the line, but it just didn’t happen. It was a very good effort from the Boks,” added Umaga. – Sapa