Seven steps to glory
30 Jun 2008
The Springboks have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1998. Former Springbok mental coach Henning Gericke explains how Peter de Villiers can achieve what Jake White couldn’t.
White may have a World Cup winner’s medal, but the former Springbok coach has something missing from his impressive CV – his side never beat the All Blacks in New Zealand.
In 2004, White’s first year in charge, the Boks came agonisingly close to claiming what would have been a shock victory in Christchurch. With 30 seconds to go, they led 21-18, having scored three tries to nil. But a botched line-out call 5m out from the Springbok tryline led to an All Blacks scrum from which winger Doug Howlett slid over in the right-hand corner.
In 2005, the Boks arrived at the House of Pain in Dunedin needing a win to clinch their second consecutive Tri-Nations title. With six minutes to go, they lead 27-24, only for All Blacks hooker Kevin Mealamu to be driven over from a line-out for the match-winning try.
The Boks were never going to make it third time lucky for White in New Zealand last year, after the coach opted to rest almost all of his first-choice players ahead of the World Cup. While the second-stringers put up a good fight and trailed 12-6 with 20 minutes to go, three All Blacks tries in the final 10 minutes resulted in a 27-point thrashing.
Former Springbok mental coach Henning Gericke was a key member of White’s management team during that time, and it still grates him that the Boks never won in 2004 or 2005. He believes that while they were mentally prepared for the task, they didn’t have the experience or self belief that the finished product, which won the World Cup, had.
‘I honestly believe that the Boks can win one Test, if not two, in New Zealand this year,’ says Gericke. ‘They just need to focus on these seven points …’
1. HAVE A NO-RESPECT MENTALITY
‘Springbok teams are guilty of putting the All Blacks on a pedestal and believing they are unbeatable. Don’t get me wrong, they are a great team, but we’ve shown them too much respect over the years. We now need to change our underdog mentality into a world champion mentality. We mustn’t listen to all the talk that we haven’t won there since 1998 or that we have never won a Test in Dunedin. We are the world champions and we should believe in ourselves.’
2. AIM TO DOMINATE
‘If your enemy responds to you, you are strong; if you respond to them, you are weak. The Boks must arrive in New Zealand, with the intention of dominating the opposition.’
3. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS
‘The Boks must do what they do best. The All Blacks don’t like to be tackled hard and confronted physically. New Zealanders throw 50-50 passes in the Super 14 because there’s space, but in Tests you can close that space down and put them under pressure. Playing a physical game doesn’t mean you are playing boring, one-dimensional rugby. It means you are playing clever rugby and giving yourself the best possible chance to win.’
4. HAVE SEVERAL LEADERS
‘The more the unyielding the challenge, the more flexible your leadership has must be. In 2004 and 2005, [captain] John Smit was the only real leader in the team. The Bok side of 2008 will have quite a few leaders, and that could make a big difference. Jean de Villiers was an excellent captain for the Stormers this year, while Juan Smith did a good job with the Cheetahs. Victor Matfield captained the Bulls to the Super 14 title last year. The All Blacks, meanwhile, don’t have many strong leaders, which is why I believe they lost to France in the World Cup last year.’
5. BECOME A FAMILY
‘You need to create an inner circle that creates positive energy. If you have a family environment, you will be able to handle outside pressures because you are so tight-knit. However, it may take time for De Villiers to create the kind of family vibe that we had under Jake. Look at what happened to the Bulls when Heyneke Meyer and a couple of key players left. That family structure was broken to some extent.’
6. SEE OPPORTUNITIES, NOT OBSTACLES
‘When you are in New Zealand, you must really want to be there. Embrace the people, the culture and even the weather. Go out and explore the country. If you have a negative mindset about how terrible a place it is, your game will suffer.’
7. HAVE BIG MATCH TEMPERAMENT
‘When you play the All Blacks in New Zealand, the games are going to be close more often that not. You’re going to find yourself in a situation where there are just three or four points in it with a few minutes to go. Your players have to be able to stay mentally strong and close out the game, which is what the Boks didn’t do in 2004 and 2005.’
What Peter de Villiers says:
ON THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
‘It goes without saying that playing the All Blacks anywhere is one of the toughest tests in the game, but in New Zealand it becomes even tougher. New Zealand have been the most successful rugby country in the world over the last decade, with the exception of their World Cup performances. They are true rugby thinkers and they play with supreme confidence at home, resulting in an attitude that does not contemplate defeat when on home soil. I’m not surprised at all that we have struggled there since 1998, but it should be remembered how close the Boks came to victories in 2004 and 2005.’
ON MENTAL PREPARATION
‘We will leave this country with our minds focused on the first Test [in Wellington] and the first Test only. There’s no use planning and getting worked up about the novelty of two Tests in New Zealand. The reality is one Test is played after the next, so I will prepare the squad for the first Test only. When it’s completed, we’ll reassess and then prepare for the second Test [in Dunedin].’
ON WHETHER HE WILL VALUE EXPERIENCE OVER YOUTH
‘I trust all South African rugby players, and will pick the side I feel has the best chance of winning. That doesn’t just go for the New Zealand Tests. Whoever I name in my 22 for any Test, regardless if they have one cap or 100, will have my full faith and backing.’
ON WHETHER HE’LL BE HAPPY TO WIN JUST ONE OF THE TWO TESTS
‘I am not a loser. I will never be satisfied if we lose.’
By Simon Borchardt, in SA Rugby magazine
928 Comments
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30 Jun 2008, 15:30 pm
#496 Richie_7: when was that ’92? they were way past their best then.
30 Jun 2008, 15:30 pm
It is really a futile exercise to try and convince someone on a blog that your team will win.
It’s really the 80 min on the park that will count the most.
Both teams will not have a problem with motivation.
30 Jun 2008, 15:31 pm
#494 JL1: yeah why wouldnt they , when the AB’s consistantly win the 3N’s , the Crusaders or Blues win the S10,12,14…we would like to see competition ….dont you ??????
30 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
#500 siener: see post 495…answers your question…
30 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
#499 JL1: #501 the peanut gallery:
Well gents, then lets not try to guess what would have happened were they around. They weren’t, the AB’s won. And nothing we say or guess is going to change that
30 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
#491 church – like chch but pronounceable:
Put your comment in lamen terms cause what I understand you are sayin is that If you trusted Henry he should make 3 changes to the side but then you agree that the side will be worse so why make the changes in the 1st place.
I dont think I understand your comment.
30 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
#480 the peanut gallery: moo-hoo. What, you’re waiting to exact your win? Well done, congrats, WP.
The penalty count in the last 15 minutes was shocking. Well done Wa-wiel De Waal, without your dive Lobberts’ would’ve gotten a warning only.
The extended TMO’s involvement is up for discussion. Not an excuse that the Bulls lost.
How’s that Hougaard’s (9) pass.
30 Jun 2008, 15:32 pm
#498 BlackPanther: Not really, the away record of most teams have been dismal over the last 8 years(only the ABs have a decent away record) I mean the Aussies have only won one Tri Nations in SA ever
So not really choking, on the other hands the ABs bring the ” best team assmebled to get the RWC every 4 years” and lose in the quarters or semis, that is usually seen as choking. The weight of expectation is just too much
I wonder by how much domestic violence will increase on Saturday (in NZ) after the Boks beat the ABs
30 Jun 2008, 15:35 pm
#456 poppa69: “A wounded, dis-respected rugby nation that should be respected regardless of the team they put out”
What is your net worth? You’re certainly the most precious person on this site.
30 Jun 2008, 15:35 pm
#507 shooter:
I really considered buying a BB rugby jersey as suggested.
But given the outcome, it will no longer be necessary.
30 Jun 2008, 15:36 pm
#500 siener:
You said that New Zealanders were trying to cope by … bla bla bla
30 Jun 2008, 15:36 pm
#480 the peanut gallery: typical of many of the bulls fans here on this site, grootbek before the game and run to the kameeldorings after they lose. Ungrateful fuckers. WP give them 2 tries and a massive lead and they have victory snatched away from them as easily as a mugger snatches an old tannie`s purse.
30 Jun 2008, 15:37 pm
Look we must give credit to history here – it says NZ are unbeatable at home. So why this frenzied attack by the AB supporters on this site? I just cant fathom it.
30 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
#510 Sheriff: To wear and the Bully Beef Tin ?
30 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
#503 poppa69: No mate, there are other issues
#505 Richie_7: Well then do not refer to a easy ride in the RWC
30 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
#506 Boots:
Three players have been involved in legal incidents which would compromise the integrity of the All Blacks if they were chosen for the next game. Unfortunity integrity is not the 1st word that springs to mind when I think of Graham Henry.
30 Jun 2008, 15:38 pm
314 zeitgeist: sadly noone else sees thru the faulty logic and prefers to talk soccer.
30 Jun 2008, 15:39 pm
#512 sondebok: and don’t forget it is the moffie/pansy/brokeback/poser/prettyboy wp team that beat them.
30 Jun 2008, 15:40 pm
#509 Rev. Jim Jones – Champion of the people (2008), harbinger of awesomeness: no , you take that title hands down, if your screen name is anything to go by…….you must be the Rev the Catholic church try to hide, how many little boys you played with ???????
30 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
#513 zeitgeist:
What frenzied attack?
30 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
#507 shooter: oh, o.k. it’s excuse time. just hold on. let me make myself comfortable.
o.k. now carry on.
30 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
Wanna beat the All Blacks in NZ.
First forget about their team.
It will be very strong.
Second concentrate on your team.
First order of business for your team is prepare them.
We have not done that very well.
No point speculating on how we will do, until he selects the team.
If he selects the right players we have a chance of winning.
However they then need to play test match rugby.
So the obvious 2 questions are:
Will he select the right players?
Will he play the right game?
30 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
Graham Henry is an awesome coach, the silent headmaster of test rugby. With a stat record like his, the AB’s cannot lose.
30 Jun 2008, 15:41 pm
#516 church – like chch but pronounceable: What exactly did Deans do to piss of the NZRU so much. Keeping GH on was a bad call.
30 Jun 2008, 15:42 pm
#523 zeitgeist: They said that about Mains and Hart as well.
30 Jun 2008, 15:43 pm
#513 zeitgeist: thats my point! every time there is a positive article on the boks, some AB fans log on and start the attack.
i this case i am loving it.
if the boks win, we will see less of poppa and blackpanther than we did in late 2007, early 2008.
in fact, all the “revenge” talk is laughable as their team didnt give us the chance to give them a proper whipping in the wc did they?
30 Jun 2008, 15:43 pm
#522 tight head: I am disappointed in you TH. You never mentioned the SCRUM ! Why oh why ? Surely the team that chooses the best scrummagers will win , no ?
30 Jun 2008, 15:43 pm
#513 zeitgeist: It seems like the AB fans here are trying to have it both ways:
The All Blacks are the best team in the world and the Boks had an easy run in the World Cup, but on the other hand we just want to cover ourselves so let’s say SA are favourites because they are world champs and this is also the weakest NZ team in 10 years.
30 Jun 2008, 15:44 pm
#522 tight head: hi tighthead. in nutshell, the bare facts and one the players and coach will be thinking about.
30 Jun 2008, 15:44 pm
#510 Sheriff: may I suggest a flag then. At least you can wear it as a cape then, with a Sharks cap, Lions Lager, Cheetha CD your provvie jersey and Springbok toks when we butcher the 50%
Blacks this weekend.
30 Jun 2008, 15:44 pm
#495 poppa69:
As my previous post. Name me any team in the history of rugby that have been favourites to beat the AB’s in NZ. World cup winners or not No.1 ranking or not then maybe your math will make sense.
You right it would be hollow to lose both tests but we’ve been there before Imagine how hollow it would be for the kiwis to only lose their 3rd series on home soil ever and their 2nd to the Boks of which the last and only one was in 1954. Thats so hollow it couldnt even compare to the contents in Schalk Burgers head.
30 Jun 2008, 15:45 pm
#505 Richie_7: exactly. so nothing will change the fact that the boks won in ’07 and ’95. that’s right 2 out of 4 = 50%
all blacks 1 out of 6 = 17%
30 Jun 2008, 15:45 pm
#519 poppa69: About the same amount as All Blacks arrested in the past few months.
30 Jun 2008, 15:45 pm
#526 rangerman: you wont see less of me, and as I stated on an earlier post, I will be one of the first to congratulate them if they do, just the fact that half of your supporters think they only have to turn up to win…..when I know it is going to be a mammoth effort if they are to do that…..something most SA supporters fail to acknowledge…..
30 Jun 2008, 15:46 pm
sorry havn’t the Boks choked in NZ since 1998? :Lets deal with reality, but the RWC medal in the sock drawer and come out fighting, ok with or without your wife’s panty, gstrin, throng or pantiloons on your head, whatever ‘box-on’. oops sounds too much like ‘doos-aan… jou kop’ but that a dutch thing.
30 Jun 2008, 15:46 pm
#533 Rev. Jim Jones – Champion of the people (2008), harbinger of awesomeness: that many aye….well small things occupy small minds, you must have one of the smallest “minds” ever hahahahaha
30 Jun 2008, 15:46 pm
#522 tight head: tighthead, you didn’t mention a good right shoulder from your no.3.
are you feeling o.k.
30 Jun 2008, 15:47 pm
#474 Boots:
The 1974 Lions landed in NZ, with Barry John, as overwhelming favourites.
The World Champion Wallabies were favourites in NZ after their 1991 RWC win. And any teams that arrived under J.Eales !
The thing is, there are repurcussions with spouting about any team being ‘chokers’. Really, what are you if you lose to a team of chokers ? And how many times is that magnified if youre the reigning World Champions ?
The rapidly-retreating position of who should be comfortable with the favourites tag says it all.
30 Jun 2008, 15:47 pm
#518 the peanut gallery: How embarrassing for les Bleus to get Fukked by Kaapstad Moffia.
30 Jun 2008, 15:47 pm
#522 tight head:
How dare you come on this site and speak some sense
Too much “My dogs bigger than your dog” stuff.
30 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
#514 pauld:
Yaaiks, I get the creeps just thinking about putting on a BB jumper
30 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
For a while it was only the Blou Masjien, but then we lost some direction, and WP exploited that. Fair and square. I only know…. the CC is not won in June
30 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
#524 pauld:
If the NZRU had sacked GH then it would have also been a statement that their agreement with the resting of players (and the way it was done) was also wrong. The masters of self preservation went for the least harm to themselves option.
30 Jun 2008, 15:48 pm
#535 magog: fukkit. what you on about? english please.
30 Jun 2008, 15:49 pm
#531 Boots: hang on, when we had the No.1 ranking we were called chokers for losing in another country, so since you guys have that ranking, suddenly its different ???? I dont think so, you are the number 1 side in the world according to rankings, worried your boys wont live up to that mantle a la England 2003 ?????
30 Jun 2008, 15:49 pm
#534 poppa69:
“just the fact that half of your supporters think they only have to turn up to win”
sound suspiciously like the AB fans before rwc 0 eh?
mate, most of the ragging on this site is tongue in cheek. banter. we dont disrespect the AB’s. we just feel we have the team to give you guys the beating we all dream of.
simple really.
30 Jun 2008, 15:50 pm
Henry wants his ABs to be underdogs
PDV has been quiet
So tomorrow all and sundry will start with their quotes
30 Jun 2008, 15:51 pm
#528 siener:
No. If NZ had Hayman, McAlister, Jack, Kelleher and Howlett avail you wouldnt hear anyone talking about this AB team being weak. Besides, noone said it was ‘weak’, just pointing out that teams that have gone before it were strongER.
30 Jun 2008, 15:51 pm
Do we really need people braging about the number of little boys they hve recently played with on this site!
30 Jun 2008, 15:52 pm
#530 shooter:
I think most BB fans thought when Joubert and Pedrie scored “Today is our day”
The result must have hurt deeply. And Province played poorly, forget possession. I dont rate teams that cannot finish.
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