Springbok coach Jake White delivered a well-placed verbal uppercut to the Australians’ jaw on Wednesday as the next round in the psychological rugby battle continued unabated.
The sparring has been in overdrive between the two ”friends” in the past week as South Africa and Australia square up ahead of the eagerly anticipated winners-take-all Tri-Nations clash on Saturday afternoon.
A little extra spice has been added to the war of words, with the South Africans making it widely known that Australia mysteriously ”working out” the Boks’ line-out calls in Perth may have had a more sinister undercurrent.
And according to White, reverting to Afrikaans calls would have been futile.
”The problem is that drie sounds like three, vier sounds like four and vyf sounds like five, and besides, half their team is South African, so they can understand Afrikaans,” said White with a twinkle in his eye.
He obviously had former South African under-21 stalwarts Daniel Vickerman (lock) and Clyde Rathbone (wing) in mind.
White then went on to remind the Wallabies of the Boks’ try-scoring prowess during this season’s competition — South Africa have scored 11 tries in three matches.
”A lot of people perceive South African play as just to dominate with the forwards and have a 10-man style of play. But we’ve always produced backs as well; players like Danie Gerber, Carel du Plessis, Gysie Pienaar and Ray Mordt.
”There are so many good athletes in this country, irrespective of whether they are backs or forwards.”
Bok skipper John Smit also got his two cents’ worth in: ”It’s going to be a tougher, more intense game because there’s a lot more at stake and because the guys have had a chance to suss each other out.
”Last week was the first step in getting somewhere and keeping ourselves alive in the Tri-Nations tournament. This week we need to up the tempo and focus on what we have been doing to try and get the result we want.
”We started away from home, and home-ground advantage is a vital asset. We saw that in Johannesburg last week, and the hope we can see in the supporters’ eyes is a big factor.”
Smit also made it perfectly clear that Aussie flyer Clyde Rathbone should not expect to be welcomed back with open arms at the ground where he first made a name for himself.
”He put his foot down firmly in the first Test and made it very clear that he was Australian, so I think he’ll be treated like any other Australian coming to Durban.”
White then went soft, deciding instead to praise Jones and his team.
”The Australian team is well coached and well drilled, and they have been together for a long time. They have 172 caps between numbers nine and 10, which is almost more than our whole team put together.
”That just shows you what depth and experience they have. Thirteen of the 15 that will start on Saturday played in the World Cup final last year. They’ve had a week off, and time to watch us. But it’s a final, and we all know either team can win a final.”
Jones then reciprocated. He also took time out to stroke White’s ego and explained why he thinks the Boks have fared so much better this year than in previous years.
”Firstly they have selected well — it is definitely the best team in South Africa. They are playing a style that is suited to them and the team is well coached.”
Whatever is said — or done for that matter — between now and 3pm on Saturday afternoon will count for nothing, as the 80 minutes between the four white lines at a packed King’s Park will decide who will be crowned champions. No verbal sparring can change that. — Sapa