Jake White’s Springboks were due to leave for the World Cup in France later on Monday in an upbeat mood in stark contrast to the disastrous build-up to the last edition in Australia.
In 2003 there was general discontent in Rudolf Straeuli’s camp after players were sent on the infamous military-style Kamp Staaldraad, while claims of racism rocked the squad.
The South Africans started well enough in Australia against the minnows, but then crashed out in the quarterfinals; their campaign a total flop.
It was a far cry from the exploits of 1999 when the Boks narrowly lost to Australia in the semifinals in Wales, and even further off from their winning campaign in 1995 when they beat the All Blacks in the final at Ellis Park in their first showing at the tournament.
Now, under the coaching of White, the Boks head to France as one of the favourites, alongside New Zealand, Australia and hosts France, although the issue of racism has not gone away.
Critics claim the inclusion of only five coloured players and one black player in the 30-strong squad is a poor reflection on a country 13 years after the end of apartheid.
White, speaking hours before his team’s departure for Paris, said that while he’d gone through some tough times with his team, he was exactly where he wanted to be just five days out from kick-off.
”There’s nothing more I can do now,” said the Bok coach.
”I’ve got 29 of the 30 players I wanted to take to the World Cup [the exception being loose forward Pierre Spies who withdrew from the team because of illness], they’re all available to play, and without putting too much pressure on them, it is now up to them to deliver.”
It was not been an easy road to France for the Springboks coach, who took over from Straeuli in 2004. He has had to deal with political interference in team selections throughout his four years in charge and has also had to watch as the likes of Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Ashwin Willemse and Andre Pretorius have broken down with career-threatening injuries.
”There have certainly been times when I’ve wondered whether I’d actually take this team to the World Cup,” said White.
”But I’m relieved I’m here and heading to Paris tonight [Monday].
”I am excited and know this is a massive opportunity for me and the players. It is something you can never take for granted and for me to be part of it is a great honour.”
The Boks kick off their campaign against Samoa on Sunday, and then five days later tackle the defending champions, England in the key game in Pool A.
”Our focus is on winning the pool, but obviously England is the key game for us,” said White.
”But unlike 2003 [when the Boks capitulated after going down to England], it’s not the be all and end all. We’re not going to close any doors on ourselves, but we’re certainly not going into the England game underestimating them.
”They’re the defending champions and it’s going to be a big game, but first we must beat Samoa, get some momentum going and then we’ll focus on England.”
The Boks face Brian Ashton’s men on September 14.
Asked if he knew who would run out against England, White simply said: ”I’ve known my starting XV for four years.”
It is indeed a very different set-up to the one which characterised the Boks in 2003. — AFP
