Irate South Africa coach Jake White has challenged Australia for maligning his weakened Springbok squad.
Since White named a 28-man squad without 24 top players for the Springboks’ Tests in Australia and New Zealand next month, the decision has drawn condemnation from South Africa’s Tri-Nations partners.
Australia, first to host the Springboks next week in Sydney, called the decision a betrayal and contemptuous, and damaging to the credibility of the Tri-Nations.
Australia tried to pressure the South African Rugby Union to uphold assurances it made last week about sending its best team, but was resigned on Wednesday to accepting a letter justifying the makeshift squad for medical reasons.
White angrily defended his decision at a media briefing on Wednesday, hours before the Springboks headed to Australasia.
He noted the likes of John Eales and Tim Horan played hardly any Super rugby before the Wallabies won the World Cup in 1999. (Eales had shoulder surgery and missed the entire Super 12.)
”It’s ironic that the team that has rested the most players in a World Cup is the first to cry foul,” White said. ”Well, if they think they can thrash this Springbok team, let’s see how good they are.”
He also pointed out that the All Blacks fielded A and B teams in last year’s Tri-Nations and nobody complained.
White added not all of his main players were being rested.
”We have some of our top players out due to different injuries,” he said. ”For example, Fourie Du Preez is out, Bryan Habana is out of action, our captain John Smit is injured, Pierre Spies is injured, Gurthro Steenkamp is injured, Juan Smith is injured as is Butch James, so you see, we didn’t even field our best team against New Zealand at home due to injuries.”
White said the Tri-Nations became less important than the World Cup after his side lost to the All Blacks 26-21 in Durban last weekend. South Africa still led the Tri-Nations standings after beating the Wallabies in Cape Town, but the Springboks’ poor record in Australasia factored into his decision to give his exhausted squad a chance of winning the World Cup.
He said he still hadn’t finalised his World Cup squad, which was extra motivation for the travelling Springboks.
”I believe there are about 10 World Cup places up for grabs and I believe [tour captain] Bob Skinstad will be honoured to lead this team as they’ll be presented with an opportunity to prove themselves,” White said.
Skinstad, who previously captained the Boks in 2001/02, said he had faith in the squad, which includes three new caps.
”I have just seen a busload of excited players; these guys have been rewarded for their great performances, and I can’t wait to lead this team as I believe they have something to offer.”
After playing the Wallabies in Sydney on July 7, the Boks meet the All Blacks in Christchurch, New Zealand a week later. — Sapa-AP