The former Springbok prop discusses the Boks’ losing streak to the All Blacks, his time as a Springbok and the upcoming Women’s World Cup in France among other topics.
The Advertiser asked:
The international rugby window is upon us and the Boks have not defeated the All Blacks since 2011, why do you think that’s the case?
It’s a very thin line between the Boks and New Zealand. Last year we played good rugby, but we didn’t beat them because of multiple reasons. Firstly, the referee played a big role in the first game (the 2013 Rugby Championship 29-15 loss in Auckland where Bismarck du Plessis was controversially sent off). In the second game (the reverse 38-27 loss at Ellis Park), I’d say they were slightly fitter than us. Thirdly, sometimes they think on their feet; they outsmarted us at times.
What do the Boks need to do to overcome the New Zealand challenge?
We’ve got a lot of talent in this country and it’s all about pressure situations. They (the Boks) need to learn more about pressure situations. They (NZ) choose wings and a fullback who know how to kick; they kick smartly. We played better rugby than them last year, but with the two being so close, they need to reinvent themselves every year.
Who do you think will win this year’s Rugby Championship, and why?
This one is going to be tricky. Australia and Argentina were mere passengers last year, but Australia will be better because Ewen McKenzie has settled in. It’s always between the Boks and the All Blacks, but don’t write off Australia.
How do you see the Boks doing in next year’s World Cup?
We’ve got a good chance (to win it), because if you look at the video of how we got knocked out in the last World Cup, a lot of conspiracy was attached to it, but I don’t want to go into that. We’ve got an advantage because of the big players we have, they’re going to be well-suited in the European wet conditions.
What would you say is your Springbok career highlight?
To be able to play in the 2003 World Cup, there are not many words to describe it: You’re there representing your country and it’s such a big privilege and honour. There are just no words to describe it.
Moving on to Super Rugby, the Sharks look likely to be the only team that will represent the country in the play-offs, what would you say is the reason behind the poor form of the country’s other teams in this year’s competition?
Starting with the Sharks, they used their home advantage very well, because that’s where they got most of their points and Jake White has done a good job. The Cheetahs are very talented; it’s a pity to see them falter this season, as they’ve just had a bad campaign. The Bulls started slowly and had to deal with certain things like the return of Victor Matfield as a coach and player, but they seem to be peaking at the right time. I think the gruelling nature of Super Rugby has taken its toll on the Lions. The players look tired, but they always produce great under-the-radar players.
Would you say the Boks’ struggles against the All Blacks and our local teams’ poor Super Rugby season is down to our country’s so-called kick-and-chase game plan being outdated?
Not really, like I said, New Zealand kicked more than us. The poor performances in Super Rugby can be good for the Boks. It gives them an opportunity to redeem themselves and having less teams in the play-offs will give the Boks more time to prepare for the international season.
How are preparations for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup?
It’s coming on nicely; we’ve got a lot of enthusiastic players in the squad of 40. There are still a couple of games ahead, which will help us with the preparations before we finalise the 26, we’ll take to the World Cup.
What would you consider as success at the tournament?
Definitely play-offs if not going all the way.
The IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in France will run from August 1 to 17.
