Naas Botha believes the Boks need to worry about their own performance instead of the significantly weakened England outfit.
Expectations are rising as we edge closer to the first Test of the season, and the fact that England have sent out what is effectively a ‘C’ team has lifted that expectation even further. The South African rugby community want their side to beat England by a record score and to lose is at this moment, inconceivable.
Botha told Keo.co.za it would be foolish for the side to get caught up in this hype, and he has suggested the team concentrates on perfecting their own structures and laying a good platform.
“The Boks must not worry about the England team and their apparent shortcomings,” he said. “Everybody is talking about what a walkover this England side will be, but no international match is ever easy.”
The Boks will take some time to gel and may opt to play closer to their forwards in the early stages. If they can exercise some patience they may wear down the Pommie resistance to the point where a more free-flowing display will be possible.
“How this game will go also depends on the England effort,” said Botha. “If South Africa go well and completely dominate England, then there is no reason to keep it close the whole time. I’m sure the plan will be to assess the situation in the first 15 minutes and work form there.”
The last time England played in Bloemfontein, they beat the Boks by 27-22 with 21-year-old Jonny Wilkinson sinking the hosts with a flawless kicking display. England will look to Wilkinson once again, although even his brilliance may not be enough to save England on this occasion.
“Everybody is well aware of what Jonny Wilkinson is capable of, but it really does depend on the performance of the team around him. We saw it when England played Ireland in the Six Nations. If he doesn’t receive support he is vulnerable just like everyone else.”
South Africa’s performance may also be effected by the dramatic events of last week, where the Bulls beat the Sharks in the dying seconds of the Super 14 final. The Sharks players will need to forget the disappointment of that day and there are many players from both sides who have to improve from their showing at the Absa Stadium.
“I don’t have a problem with the team Jake [White] has selected,” said Botha. “How they will perform is another question. Some of those players from last week’s Super 14 final will need to put the bad day at the office behind them and focus on the task at hand.”
By Jon Cardinelli
*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of this Blog
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