The fact that so many pundits fancy the Springboks’ chances of beating the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations decider at Dunedin in New Zealand on Saturday is a good thing and a bad thing.
This is the opinion of former Springbok captain Morne du Plessis, who earned 22 Test caps for his country and led the side in 15 of those matches.
”This is probably our best chance for a win in New Zealand for as long as I can remember,” said Du Plessis of Saturday’s match. ”But that is both a good and bad thing. It is nicer to go in as underdogs, when it is easier to surprise your opponents.
”I don’t think the All Blacks are going to be surprised by anything we throw at them after what happened at Newlands [South Africa won 22-16] and after what they have seen of the Springboks on the road.”
Du Plessis admits that both sides will be affected by the absence of regular faces through injury or suspension, but he feels that Springbok coach Jake White’s rotation policy will make it easier for the South Africans to readjust.
”They will be without Dan Carter at flyhalf, which is a pivotal position. Breyton Paulse’s suspension has meant Jake has had to make two changes to his backline combination [De Wet Barry comes in at centre, with Jean de Villiers moving to the wing], but this is where Jake’s policy comes into effect.
”Six weeks ago, Barry was a certainty in the starting line-up, so he should slot straight back in without too much disruption.”
The hype around the famous Dunedin ground, which has earned the nickname ”The House of Pain” because of the way visiting sides struggle there, should not be a factor on Saturday, said Du Plessis.
”It’s something that has become almost reality because it has been spoken about so much, but I think the Boks are above that. There is also a lot of talk about conditions there — it is expected to be wet — but both sides have huge try-scoring potential in their line-ups and I expect both to adapt to the conditions,” he said.
Last week’s 22-19 Springbok win over Australia in Perth means White’s side have added confidence and a real sense of purpose going into Saturday’s match.
”Just look at the forwards … they are playing such forceful rugby,” said Du Plessis. ”They dominate the one-on-one situations and they hit their opponents back in the tackle. The All Blacks don’t like that.”
The fact that White has managed to maintain his side’s focus in the face of ongoing administrative problems in the South African game is testimony to the coach’s influence on the players.
”Jake’s done a great job. Although there is strict discipline in the squad, he looks after his guys and they are comfortable in that environment. They are unaffected by what is happening off the field. The game is played between those four white lines, which is the way it should be,” said Du Plessis. — Sapa