Once again the war of words waged by Jake White and Eddie Jones has been a familiar theme in the build-up to Saturday’s Mandela Challenge Plate Test between South Africa and Australia at Ellis Park.
Both men have used the media to good effect in an attempt to bait their opposite number and gain whatever psychological advantage they can ahead of what promises to be an epic clash.
But it will all count for nought when the opening whistle blows shortly after 3pm on Saturday and the fierce adversaries meet at the first ruck.
It is action the Springboks need, not words, if they are to erase the painful memories of the mauling they received at the hands of a pumped-up Wallabies outfit in Sydney a fortnight ago.
After all the hype, the first scrum of the match is likely to count for more than any mud-slinging by the respective coaches during the past week and will certainly not be a place for the faint-hearted.
Strongman Gurthro Steenkamp, in for veteran Os du Randt at loosehead prop, is relishing the chance to restore some of the Boks’ battered pride and more importantly, convert White’s strong words into compelling action.
”The first scrum is crucial,” stated Steenkamp. ”It definitely sets the tone for the rest of the game and we have a lot to prove out there.”
”They are a good pack, but are more about technique. We are traditional; it’s more about power.”
For Steenkamp, Saturday’s match represents the pinnacle of his fledgling international career — he will earn his fifth Test cap — not just because the series is poised on a knife edge but also because Nelson Mandela himself will be present in the stands.
”That makes a huge difference. Madiba is an inspiration to us all. The mere fact that he is there is a big motivation for all the guys.
”He is an inspiration to a lot of people around the world — he has gone through so much in his life and hopefully we can produce a performance to honour him,” said Steenkamp.
The Madiba magic factor is certainly one the Boks can use to their advantage, but Jones has already muscled in on the act, saying the visitors can also feed off the former President’s inspirational character.
”He signifies a lot of great qualities and some of these qualities we are going to need on Saturday against the Springboks at Ellis Park, so we are looking forward to it,” Jones said.
”The guys are excited by the prospect of playing for the Mandela Challenge Plate and the opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela. It’s a unique opportunity for us,” Jones continued.
The fact that a record nine players of colour have been included in the match 22 — with six in the starting line-up — may provide some measure of pleasure for the man that has worked so hard to gain equality in this country. And a victory by this team on Saturday will provide the cherry on top for Madiba’s 87th birthday celebrations.
”He has come out on top after everything he went through — that’s amazing. He is a huge role model,” added Steenkamp.
Ten years ago at the same venue, Mandela provided the inspiration for the Boks to conquer the world and gain the greatest satisfaction in rugby — to lift the coveted World Cup. Perhaps it is time for the Boks to return the compliment and retain the
coveted Mandela Challenge Plate — and give Madiba some sweet satisfaction in his twilight years.
Springboks: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Breyton Paulse, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean De Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Andre Pretorius, 9
Enrico Januarie, 8 Joe Van Niekerk, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Solly Tyibilika, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Eddie Andrews, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp. Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 Lawrence Sephaka, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Fourie Du Preez, 21 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 22 Wayne Julies.
Wallabies: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Wendell Sailor, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Bill Young. Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Daniel Vickerman, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Morgan Turinui, 22
Drew Mitchell. – Sapa