South Africa are serious contenders to win this year’s tournament, according to 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper Francois Pienaar.
”We have the best chance to win a World Cup since 1995,” Pienaar told BBC Sport.
”There is tremendous talent in South Africa, the squad is really impressive and there is a real sense of optimism.”
The Springboks have just completed a comprehensive 2-0 series win over England while two South African teams reached the Super 14 final for the first time.
Pienaar, who won 29 caps for his country between 1993 and 1996, is certainly happy with the progress being made by South Africa under coach Jake White but warned that come the World Cup, South Africa would face a different England.
”I would not read a lot into what has happened over the last two weekends,” he said. ”England did not bring their full-strength team.
”The fact that South Africa won by large margins in both games is not that significant, while the fact that England led at half-time would be a worry for the Springboks.
”The games were all about getting the guys into the national jersey and White was able to look at a couple of combinations. It was a useful exercise.”
Pienaar added that for the Springboks to challenge for the title, work must start immediately.
”I have always maintained that the World Cup is a three-month event. It starts now,” he said.
”The starting line-up should be bedded down by the end of the Tri-Nations, although, if you look at the players, Jake White is almost there already.
”But there are a couple of crucial combinations that need to be sorted out, especially at loose forward, half-back and in the centres.
”For example, in the back row we have Juan Smith, Schalk Burger and Pierre Spies who I rate very highly but you have AJ Venter, Danie Rossouw, Bobby Skinstad, Luke Watson and Joe van Niekerk all knocking at the door.
”There is a vast pool to pick from but the key is to pick the players that suit one another, rather than the best three.
”I would also look at the bench and who is going to be used as impact players. The bench has played a significant role in the Super 14 this year.” — AFP
