Don’t forget the rugby
23 Jun 2006
Springbok coach Jake White remains defiant despite distractions in the build-up to the crunch Test against France tomorrow.
At the press conference on the eve of the Newlands Test, White fielded far more contract related questions than rugby related questions.
The issue of White’s Bok contract has bedevilled the build-up during the week, while the injuries to Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha have been cause for alarm.
The Boks were still confident of extending their unbeaten run in South Africa to 14 matches against the Six Nations champions, despite the loss of Burger to a serious neck injury and the withdrawal of a not yet fit Botha.
“It will require an extra effort to beat the French as it always does. I’m sure we won’t be crying ourselves to sleep tonight,” said captain John Smit.
White though said it was all about the Test and continuing the unbeaten sequence on home soil. “We are totally focussed on the game. The French have said through their manager Jo Maso that this is the best possible France side they can put out on the field,” White said.
“I don’t think there is a controversy. I’m very loyal to the Springboks and I have a contract and I’m totally committed to the French Test. I do not want to use this as an excuse. We really want to keep this record going as long as possible.”
The biggest threat from the French would come up front, but White was adamant his team could match them blow for blow in that department. And if they decide to play with some of that French flair the Boks can meet that too.
And for the first time this year the Boks are destined to play in front of a full house. And Newlands was venue of the Boks’ biggest Test victory last year. White is hoping for a repeat performance.
By Andrew Hollely, in Cape Town
73 Comments
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23 Jun 2006, 15:04 pm
Got this off the BBC website:
White’s Springbok future in doubt
Jake White’s future as coach of South Africa has been thrown into doubt ahead of the one-off Test against France at Newlands on Saturday.
A scheduled press conference to announce an extension to White’s contract until 2009 was cancelled.
And White and national teams’ manager Andy Marinos tried to deflect questions about his immediate future.
White, who was appointed in 2004, refused to answer a question on whether it would be his last Test in charge.
“There are other opportunities abroad, but I have a contract with the South African Rugby Union (SARFU) and I’ve had negotiations with them that have been ongoing,” White said.
Jake is a professional person and we cannot prohibit him from exploring other opportunities
Andy Marinos
SARFU teams’ manager
“My first loyalty is to the team and really don’t want to put this issue on the players.”
Marinos said: “Jake White has a contract with SARFU until 2007 and we have been in discussions with his agent.
“Jake is a professional person and we cannot prohibit him from exploring other opportunities.
“When we renegotiate a contract there are other factors such as the make-up of the management team. The board appreciates the urgency of the matter but getting the personnel and the people right are important.
“The board will forward a proposal to the President’s Council for its approval and a decision will be made in early July.”
White has won 19 Tests as coach and lost seven. His record includes a 13-match unbeaten run at home and a Tri-Nations title in 2004.
23 Jun 2006, 15:08 pm
Banana Boy – go read my comment 235 on The main story.
PA – i normally get a mail letting me know you trying to join the pool – it hasn’t shown up ?!?!
23 Jun 2006, 15:10 pm
went through all the step, said the mail was sent.
hope it gets to you in time.
nah i was just wondering that if you approve my participation that i will get a mail and that i have to click on a link in the mail you or superbru send me to confirm or something.
23 Jun 2006, 15:12 pm
PA – you join the Muppit League ?
I will keep an eye out for it !
23 Jun 2006, 15:13 pm
ig,
how do i get to play superbru?
23 Jun 2006, 15:16 pm
Bluebarb – go to http://www.superbru.com/
Set up an account – join the Currie Cup but join the Muppit League…
I will approve you asap
23 Jun 2006, 15:21 pm
I’m worried is Jake going to go? Can’t Keo give us the ‘inside track’?
23 Jun 2006, 15:23 pm
yup ig, just logged in now and this is the message it gave me:
You may not apply to a new pool because you currently have an outstanding application to join the private pool Muppit League . If you wish to choose a different pool, you must cancel this application.
23 Jun 2006, 15:23 pm
obviously i did not cancel…
23 Jun 2006, 15:32 pm
PA – i just approved you….should work now ! Still awaiting mail…
23 Jun 2006, 15:32 pm
got the mail, thanks Ig
23 Jun 2006, 15:35 pm
set up Ig, how long before the first games do i have?
23 Jun 2006, 15:36 pm
If we lose tomorrow (and there is a good chance) Jake has multiple excuses lined up. Eg. injuries, contract disputes, French brought a full strength side, media, Frogs playing for Pieter De Villiers’ brother, altitude (hehe), Schalk, Bakkies, De Wet!,lack of fetchers,unbeaten home run (****** on our backs), Newlands booing Boks and many more. I am worried. Please prove me wrong!
23 Jun 2006, 15:40 pm
jw for all the good he has done for sarugby, will be the person who do the most damage to the same union. we all go on about his “proud home record”, while gh has the same or maybe a better record with the abs. he took us from 6th to 2nd in world rugby, but most people will agree with me that we couldnt do much worse anyway. a win by france tomorrow will see us relegated to 3rd place with maybe far more worse rankings to come before the end of this year.
jw had the perfect oppertunity to blood new talent, but his obsession with his squad of 2004, will cost us dearly. He had a more stable environment to work with than most coaches before him, but at the moment he is the one causing most of the nasty goings-on.
Who would be able to step up and fill his place at this point in time is not clear, but it is clear that something must be done to stem the rate at which bok rugby is deteriorating.
23 Jun 2006, 15:40 pm
okay pics are done.
cheers again ig – now i can kisk your asses and hopefully do better than in the S14
23 Jun 2006, 15:44 pm
bluebarb – i just approved you – you need to make your picks before the game starts tonight at 7 !
23 Jun 2006, 15:45 pm
Jrrrr PA – i reckon my number one position i currently hold is my best yet !
23 Jun 2006, 15:47 pm
Our rugby team seems to not be too dissimilar to our cricket team under Hansie and Bob Woolmer. Too many players entrenched in the side with no fear of losing their place. Captain and coach are really close. Team dynamic and senior players, more important than form and a dynamic approach. We were also firmly entrenched at Nr.2, and then the slide began. Egos and seniority should never be more important than passion and form. No player should ever be excluded for reasons other than bad form. Class is not permanent. Form neither, but at least form is current. Class is often but a distant memory.
23 Jun 2006, 15:52 pm
ja ig, i think you were the only guy kakker than me in the S14… hehe
23 Jun 2006, 16:02 pm
loki
i think a lot of guys will quote your “class is not …… distant memory in future, or did you get it from someone else?
23 Jun 2006, 16:05 pm
Nope asha1, came up with it myself. Just hope you guys agree:)
23 Jun 2006, 16:11 pm
couldnt have said it better myself!!
23 Jun 2006, 17:45 pm
asha1 at 64, do you have a history of mental illness?
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