Sunday 16th September 2007
South Africa, despite easily brushing aside the challenges of Samoa and England, are not yet playing to their full potential and have no plans of easing up heading towards the play-offs at the World Cup in France.
Springbok coach Jake White said that maintaining momentum is vital - looking ahead to the last two pool matches, against Tonga and the United States.
Following the 59-7 humbling of Samoa and then inflicting a record World Cup defeat on England (36-0) the Springboks have been elevated up alongside the All Blacks as favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
But White has made it clear that there will be no complacency against two of the minnows in the pool.
"We have to keep our feet on the ground," White told a media gathering on Sunday.
"I have chatted to the players about this and they accept that.
"They have come off a very successful Super 14 campaign [with the Bulls beating the Sharks in an all-South African Final].
"The national side has beaten the English [admittedly a second-string side] twice prior to the World Cup, Australia in the Tri-Nations, Samoa and narrowly lost to the All Blacks.
"They are having the time of their lives, but I don't believe they are going to lose focus.
"They are on such a high now that they've achieved so much that I don't think they will lose sight of the ultimate goal."
White also said that former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones is having a major impact on the team.
There has been a marked improvement to the Boks' attack, in terms of their running lines and passing game, but White suggested this will get better the longer Jones stays with the team.
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