‘Boks have progressed’
27 May 2009
John Smit believes the Springboks are in better shape now than after their World Cup triumph.
Last year was one of mixed results for the Boks and notably lacked any silverware. The euphoria of record defeats of Australia at Ellis Park and England at Twickenham, as well as a historic result in Dunedin, were tempered by home losses to the All Blacks and Wallabies.
Smit feels that the Boks will need a similar display to 2007 in order defeat the Lions.
‘I’d like to think we’ve moved forward,’ said Smit. ‘The influence of the new coaching staff has given us some new ideas and I think we pose a bigger threat with the majority of the same players here. Those guys have two years more experience and we definitely haven’t regressed.’
The success of the 2007 was marked by a dynamic balanced display from both backs and forwards, but all the points in 15-6 final victory over England came from the boot. Smit said the current Boks could also produce a hybrid of game-plans necessary to out-think as well as out-muscle the Lions.
‘Our priority is to win. The person who couldn’t appreciate that final win doesn’t know their rugby. The Lions series will be similar and it’s a final of sorts as its such a special event played over three Tests. If it takes five penalties or five tries to win the series, that’s what we’ll do. We have the players to do both.’
Smit, who has visibly bulked up since his move to tighthead, says this series is more important for the hosts than the visitors. Smit emphasised that the added incentive of such an event and the additional pressure will only serve to improve the quality of the Boks’ performances.
‘I spoke to [former Wales centre] Mark Taylor and I think it’s more of a privilege for us. We have to wait every 12 years for such an incredible occasion, but they are up for selection every four years.
‘I wouldn’t say I fear failure, but that little bit of fear will drive us to new heights. Pressure is part and parcel of international sport. The more of it, the better you will do. Winning the World Cup created more public expectation on us, which is a positive.
‘If there was no pressure, that would mean no importance, and that certainly isn’t the case.’
Jake White moulded a squad over four years for the Boks to achieve world domination, while Peter de Villiers has successfully maintained that core group. The Boks have just one warm-up before the Lions series against a Namibian XV on Friday, but Smit said there shouldn’t be a worry of lack of preparation.
‘The concern would be about the consistency of the squad that hasn’t been together for a while. But the team has been together for more than four years and we’ll get the answer on 20 June.’
By Grant Ball, in Pretoria
97 Comments
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28 May 2009, 02:03 am
#48 SA Barbarians:
haha love it.
#49 Ed_the_Lion:
Yeah they have done really well anyway this year.They were written off missing an heap of players and a coach leaving and yet they still make a semi final.Next year they will be again pushing for the top spot as probably the new guys have settled into super rugby and the coach would be a bit more confident with probably Dan Carter back in the mix.
28 May 2009, 02:05 am
#51 Hurricane: Funny how well they did. After about 5 weeks people wrote them off and they somehow manage to get into the semis. That is the diffs between a team that knows how to win and a team that doesn’t.
28 May 2009, 02:06 am
#50 SA Barbarians:
Good point.I can see the way the bulls played to the way the Boks hammered OZ that day,scarey really for NZ and OZ if the Boks get this style going every game
28 May 2009, 02:11 am
Early morning wake up. Test between SA and NZ. The haka, a close game with a low penalty count, and the winner decided in the last minute off the game. Now that is what I am in a mood for.
28 May 2009, 02:13 am
#53 Hurricane: That what I am seriously hoping for. I hope that is what the coach means when starts talking in a language nobody understands, and I hope the senior players continue to take things in hand when they need to.
I have to say I do not think NZ would have rolled over like Aus did – such SA NZ games would be huge!!
And looking at the Crusaders coming back and start to play their brand of rugby again at the end of the S14 makes me agree that they will a potent forced again next season. So will your team and the Chiefs I reckon
28 May 2009, 02:18 am
#54 Ed_the_Lion: When I was a kid there was no TV, so I got into bed at 4 am with my dad and we listened to the radio, and had milo. Geez they were good days. Random names like Sid Going, Colin Meads, Tremain, Brian Williams, Grant Foz, Fitzy… hell I can eaven remember Fergie McCormak who relieved Sid Nomis of his front teeth. Sid had then collected from the field and transplanted back, but his body rejected them lol
28 May 2009, 02:19 am
#54 Ed_the_Lion:
lol yep i know what you mean.
Oh well Ed and SA i am off,need to do some work today,nice talking to you
Cyas
28 May 2009, 02:20 am
Ed have you checked your mail? I sent you a CV you may be interested in
28 May 2009, 02:21 am
#56 SA Barbarians: Sheeesh SAB. That is many moons ago. You also have a great memory, just like Pietman.
I can also remember waking up and watching those early games with my dad, having a hot beverage. Good old days.
I read on the All Blacks web page that the rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks have always been the biggest rivalry in world rugby.
28 May 2009, 02:22 am
#57 Hurricane: cheers mate, I enjoyed the chat too. Catch you another time
28 May 2009, 02:23 am
#57 Hurricane: Have a good one Hurricane.
#58 SA Barbarians: I already made contact with the person whose CV it is. Great candidate with good communication skills. Just what I need in my office.
28 May 2009, 02:24 am
#59 Ed_the_Lion: Yea I was a smaal pikkie hehehe I would never even try to match Pietmans recall – he’s the best by far. That sounded like a Landy ad hehehe
28 May 2009, 02:26 am
#62 SA Barbarians: Landy ad. hehehe.
28 May 2009, 02:26 am
#61 Ed_the_Lion: Hell I am glad to see you work so fast. She could be in great demand with her soecialised skills, and as you already have spell checks, what the hell. Are you appointing her as PA?
28 May 2009, 02:28 am
#64 SA Barbarians: She will be my PA at work and my house cleaner after hours. That way I can help her with transport. She will also be staying with me to save money on rent.
28 May 2009, 02:28 am
#64 SA Barbarians: I better hit the sack, it’s 02h25 here ffs!! Just meant to pop in quickly, and it’s been an hour since then.
Cheers Ed and Hurricane, catch you guys tomorrow
28 May 2009, 02:29 am
#66 SA Barbarians: Cheers SAB. Always a pleasure to see you here. Have a good rest.
28 May 2009, 02:30 am
#65 Ed_the_Lion: excellent arrangement, excellend!! win-win negotiations. Man you are guy that will go places hehehe
28 May 2009, 02:31 am
#68 SA Barbarians: hehehehe. All about the money SAB.
28 May 2009, 02:31 am
#68 SA Barbarians: OK Out of here now. Likewise mate, the playground was friendly and relaxed this evening. cheers
28 May 2009, 02:32 am
#69 Ed_the_Lion: considered payment in kind?
28 May 2009, 02:32 am
#18 Hurricane: relax. i take it you are from nz. read bagel’s comment #6, and thetackler #14. bagel said very average england, argentina, and fiji. if i can recall correctly, argentina beat france, france beat nz, and england beat france. sa then went on to beat england. that was what i meant by average teams. sure we never played nz in the tournament, but we were supposed to, we showed up in the final, you didn’t. you are extremely defensive.
as far as the 87 world cup is concerned. you say you would have beaten us. how can you say that. same as where you say you would have beaten france a week after the world cup. how can you say that. you seem to be quick to make predictions on things that never happened.
you should also see that i congratulated the tackler on nz’s win over sa last year. there are no bad feelings from my side, i love nz and there people’s passion for rugby.
as far as your opinion that it is our own fault for not being in the 87 world cup, yeah, you are correct to a certain extend, but everything isnt always black and white. each country has its own problems, even nz. one need to thoroughly study history before accusing someone else for mistakes they have made.
did you refer to me as a clown in post #29. know you wanted the hurricanes in the final, but i’m sure you will root for the chiefs. good luck and may the best team win.
28 May 2009, 02:33 am
#70 SA Barbarians: Also outta here. Was fun tonight.
28 May 2009, 02:33 am
#71 SA Barbarians: Never crossed my mind. hehehehe
28 May 2009, 02:37 am
#72 JM: we all have to accept that NZ and SA are two monsters in world rugby. And on that high note I will be saying cheers.
28 May 2009, 05:16 am
#23 Hurricane:
Yeah it’s good to be able to vent with you guys actually. The Silver Fern is so clinically policed it could even do a reasonable facsimile of a gardening forum.
Chiefs vs Brutes at 02:30 East Timor time. Gotta do some serious butt kissing of the Aussie owner to keep his pub open for us rugger supporters on Sunday morning.
28 May 2009, 07:44 am
“The influence of the new coaching staff has given us some new ideas and I think we pose a bigger threat with the majority of the same players here…..”
Smittie, you guys are missing one key ingredient: Someone to fill Monty’s boots. Steyn has to be there, but I doubt between Peter’s rugby philosophy and **** Muir’s well known affection for the ‘open game’ he will more than likely not be picked.
A shame really…..
28 May 2009, 08:42 am
the proof is in the pudding and the eating of the pie.
we all know their capabilities and we all know that they can do it but whether they are sent with the right personell and game plan will be the decider.
PDv did a terrible job last year so now to see what he does now.
28 May 2009, 08:57 am
#9 sglazer: A year ago you might have had a point, but not any more.
Fundamentally Meyer is the typical SA coach and under him we would probably have had a typical average Bok performance – hovering around no.2 and 3 in the world but not dominating the way the All Blacks do.
Look at the Bulls – after struggling with the ELV’s and new coaching style last year, they are looking better and more well rounded this year than they ever did under Meyer. With Ludeke’s more progressive style (and with ample input from Slaptjips) the Bulls look absolutely amazing.
I think the same is true for the Boks under PdV. Last season there were glimpses of total domination not seen under any recent coach. The two home losses in the 3N of course spoiled the season, but I think there are reasons to be cautiously positive.
This year is of course crunch time. I suspect the Boks will either totally dominate or completely crash & burn. PdV has the potential to be a dominating coach, but with innovation comes risk. The one thing I hope is that Smit stays fit for the whole season. Jake White’s worst run was when JS was injured and that pattern was continued last year under PdV.
28 May 2009, 09:14 am
#78 Dunx: PdV did a terrible job last year? It was a disappointing season, but terrible? Historically was an above average year for the Boks and also included:
- First away win against the All Blacks in 11 years
- First win ever in Dunedin
- Record breaking defeat of Australia
- First unbeaten end of year tour in 10 years
- Record defeat of England
The big blot on the season is of course coming last in the 3N – a place not at all unfamiliar to the Boks. In fact under Jake White we ended up last 2 out of 4 times.
Is was a year where everyone felt the Springboks could have done a lot better, but it was far from a disaster, especially compared to truly dismal years like JW’s 2006 campaign.
28 May 2009, 09:19 am
#72 JM:
I can say we would have beaten you guys in 1987 cos actually i can,its an opinion.If you have troubles with other people opinions then you are blogging on the wrong site.
About post 29,yep that was aimed at you,sorry about the childish name calling but when you say NZ won the RWC in 1987 and SA wasnt there,what are you really saying with that comment? I have heard all these sorts of comments before on here,some point out that was the only reason why we won,some say it wasnt a real tournament etc.We won that year but it get a bit annoying that some can actually try and devalue a RWC win.
I could say that SA didnt play the best rugby team in the world to win there RWC in 2007 but i know that to win you have to be there at the end,SA was,NZ wasnt simple really.
So hence why you think i am extremely defensive as you put it,in a way i am and i have no problems with it at all.
28 May 2009, 09:42 am
I fervently disagree with John Smit about the strength of the team.
In the world cup we had a recognised tighthead
In the world cup we had a recognised goalkicker
In the world cup we had a recognised flyhalf
John Smit is not a tighthead, it pains me to know that PDV might have to lose a lions series to realise that. BJ should have been called up or Jannie du Plessis at the very least. Tighthead is not a position you can just adapt to, its probably the most technical position in rugby, and one in which the more experience you have, the better.
Ruan Pienaar is a young promising player, but he doesn’t even do the kicking duties for his own province, I think given the time he could become a great flyhalf, but really you need a seasoned flyhalf against the Lions.
Morne Steyn might be the man, but he’s not proven at test level. Its not hard to look good behind the pack that the bulls have. The Springboks won’t dominate the Lions in the way the Bulls have dominated the S14.
Ideally Butch James would have been the man but he’s injured.
Another factor is that some of our loose forwards have been injured, (Juan Smith) or have hit a vein of poor form (Schalk Burger).
Although on the plus side we didn’t have Pierre Spies in the world cup, and we didn’t have Jean de Villiers for the latter part of it, I still think we are a weaker team overall.
28 May 2009, 09:47 am
#80 siener:
I agree he didn’t do a bad job, but then he inherited a world cup champion team. But some of his selections have been perplexing to say the least. Then again the same could be said of Jake White who ignored some fantastic players. But I would have had faith in Jake White beating the Lions at home, whereas at the moment I think we could beat them if the best 15 were on the field. I am not convinced that PDV will pick the best 15.
28 May 2009, 10:03 am
#81 Hurricane:
I find it funny when Kiwi’s or Aussies say that the Boks didn’t have to beat a quality team to win the last world cup. Its true in a way, Eng bt Aus, Fra bt NZ, Eng bt Fra. I think the boks would have picked the English if they could have picked out of those four teams, having already stuffed them up 57-3 in the group phase.
But then when NZ and Aus won their world cups they didn’t have to face us either as we weren’t even in the competition. We would have given them a run for their money especially with Naas Botha in his prime.
28 May 2009, 10:15 am
#84 Harlequin: Fair enough comment- there is always the ‘if’ factor kicked about, but at the end of the day its meaningless unless it happens.
28 May 2009, 10:32 am
I’m slightly worried about John Smit at TH against arguably the best frontrow in the world at present, but one thing he is a very very good captain. Says the right things off the field and is a very wiley bugger on it. Will be a real test for him at TH, I think Mallet is right the British Lions will try target the captain in the scrum.
28 May 2009, 12:16 pm
#6 Bagel: The Boks played who was given to them to play, not their fault Australia lost to that average England team or the All Blacks against the French, so World Domination it is, Silence!
28 May 2009, 15:07 pm
#72 JM: Middag JM. Hy is een van daai oorsee mense wat dink hulle is baas hier.
28 May 2009, 15:10 pm
#81 Hurricane: Well well well, you apologising for name-calling?! I never thought I would see the day Hurricane!
#29 Hurricane: I can not thank you enough for writing this “I agree,but i am not going to sit back while some clowns on here start talking rubbish about NZ”
Now you can appreciate how we feel with some of your Kiwi guys’ posts on this site.
And bear in mind this is a site for South Africans foremost, I dont think you have an army of Saffas on silverfern throwing their weight around?
#25 Hurricane: Very good comeback. Hahahaha
28 May 2009, 15:19 pm
#81 Hurricane: apology accepted. i still think you are extremely defensive, and will now add arrogant to it. yes, you are entitled to your own opinion, just like the rest of us.
28 May 2009, 15:20 pm
#90 JM: hahaha laat hom weet. moenie k@k vat nie
28 May 2009, 15:21 pm
#88 bokfan1: mirrag bokfan. ja my maat, sien wat jy bedoel. jammer mens kan nie met die ou redeneer nie. selle jy staan en praat met ‘n skaap. min gaan in.
28 May 2009, 15:24 pm
#91 bokfan1: dink miskien het ek ‘n seer plekkie vir hom aangeraak. maar jy is reg, as hy so anti sa is, wat maak hy hier.
28 May 2009, 15:51 pm
#84 Harlequin: I hope your name is indicative of the team Harlequins because if it is not… then you are clown in harlequin apparel.
Surely you remember the 1999 semi-final… The Bernie Drop Goal in extra time!
Australia defeated South Africa in the semi-final and defeated France in the final.
Australia WCup 1991
Australia WCup 1999
28 May 2009, 17:14 pm
#92 JM: hahaha goeie een. hy is nogal soms skerp en snaaks, en oor die algemeen ‘n cool ou, maar jislaaik – as hy so sensitief is oor sy span en land, hoe kan hy so vinnig vir SA en Bokke beledig?
28 May 2009, 22:38 pm
#90 JM:
I apologised and now you call me arrogant,whats it like on the pedestal JM.Re look at your posts and again tell me what you meant when in 1987 SA wasnt there.We all know what you meant but at least admit it and not go all high and might on me
28 May 2009, 22:42 pm
#91 bokfan1:
hahaha
Kapa kia rimu Bokfan ponga wiru.JM katipo tiko whakalonga mai.
Now thats funny
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