Excelling in a climate of expectation
6 Jul 2010
There is an unprecedented level of expectation on the Springboks and a measure of how good this current generation is will be revealed in how they respond to that expectation.
The Springboks have been lavished with praise in recent weeks, from former Springbok coach Nick Mallett predicting that they would defend their Tri-Nations crown, to All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick writing in his New Zealand Herald column that the Springboks’ form, depth and experience scares him.
The liberal outpouring of praise was evident in the Australian and New Zealand media was well. That the latter have generally tempered expectations, even though they play two home Tests against the Springboks in the tournament, is a testament to their opponents’ quality at present.
The New Zealand rugby fraternity will see assertions that their side have lost their invincible aura as Springbok arrogance. It is not. The Springboks still have a great deal of respect and a healthy fear of the Blacks, but recent successes, not least of all three victories in 2009, have eroded the aura that used to paralyse South African players.
Heightened expectation is a by-product of consistent success, and it’s under those circumstances that the Springboks must show their mettle.
The Springboks have in the past thrived when expectations were low, but that is no longer the case. The great sides have ridden that wave of expectation with consummate composure and skill. This will be the Springboks’ challenge in the coming months, beginning with the first of two Tests against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.
The Springboks have earned the right to feel confident about a series victory over their traditional rivals, as have Springbok supporters, whose expectation has been fuelled by last year’s series win over the British & Irish Lions, a Tri-Nations campaign that saw their side lose just one of six matches, and recent victories over Wales, France and Italy.
To say the expectation has been high since after their World Cup triumph would be naive, and fails to take into account that many (mostly foreign) critics perceived the Springboks’ success in France as being a hallow one given that they hadn’t negotiated the challenge of Australia, New Zealand or France. To revisit the validity that line of criticism would be futile, but it remains a fact that the Springboks journey to the title was widely viewed as easy.
In 2008 Peter de Villiers was appointed and through his media offerings and Saru president Regan Hoskins’ ill-considered concession that De Villiers was not selected on rugby credentials alone, he was cast as the ultimate underdog. His appreciable success in his three-year tenure thus far means that is no longer a role he can assume. Like his players, De Villiers must now accept that that success has thrown a magnetic spotlight onto him.
He’ll be judged by an exceptionally high standard going forward, and this is justified given that he has at his disposal arguably the finest group of players in Springbok history, notwithstanding injuries to some exceptional players and the continued non-selection of the gifted Frans Steyn.
Ignoring their penchant for dramatic capitulations at World Cups, the All Blacks of the early and mid 2000s developed the habit of performing consistently under the weight of expectation. They embraced their status as favourites in every Test they entered into and generally played in a manner befitting that billing. In defeat, there were no complaints about the pressure that expectation created. They understood that champion teams elicit lofty, sometimes unrealistic, expectations.
This is where the Springboks find themselves. A measure of just how good this current generation is will be revealed in how they respond to that expectation.
By Ryan Vrede
316 Comments
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6 Jul 2010, 15:06 pm
@CrackerJack(CrackerJack)-145: Good one !
Thats the way…!
6 Jul 2010, 15:29 pm
What a sensible article.
6 Jul 2010, 15:31 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-150:
Mate. Haven’t missed a AB Bok test in 20 years – over which time sure the AB’s have dominated the Boks. But let me tell you something for nothing. If the Boks were to go through a period of similar domination & the AB’s then began to turn the table on them – over my dead body would an AB fan, coach or player ever be heard publicly saying that the AB’s no longer fear and/or were in awe of the Springboks.
Never ever my friend!
6 Jul 2010, 15:56 pm
@aliboy(aliboy)-23:
North Shore? Auckland…. Saafi
Sydney …St Ives Saafi
6 Jul 2010, 16:01 pm
@sglazer(sglazer)-24:
I did not hear anyone complaining last season, when the Bokke had the lesser travel.
When the Wannabies Play the Bokke in Perth, the travel itinerary is firmly in the Bokke favour.
6 Jul 2010, 16:21 pm
@AiDoc(AiDoc)-155: Aidoc, when you say ‘lesser travel’ are you comparing last years Bok travels to this years ? The Boks ALWAYS have a harder travel schedule than both the Aussies and the ABs. 3 away Tests in 3 weeks = on the road for 3 weeks. When the ABs and OZ play each other its an out and back flight with a 2-3 hour time difference. Worst case scenario for ABs or OZ is a 2 week trip to SA.
6 Jul 2010, 18:15 pm
No place for Aplon, de Jongh
2010-07-06 17:40Email | Print
Gio Aplon (Gallo Images)
Adnaan Mohamed
Auckland – Two of South Africa’s most exciting young backline talents Gio Aplon and Juan de Jongh will not be in the Springbok starting line-up in the Tri-Nations Test match against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Stormers-duo have both played excellent rugby for the Boks since making their Test debuts this year. They have also proven themselves against the best that the Super 14 has to offer.
The Springbok match 22 will however only be named on Thursday, but if the Bok training session at the Takapuna Rugby Club on Auckland’s North Shore is anything to go by, Jean de Villiers will start on the right wing, with the Bulls-duo of Wynand Olivier and Zane Kirchner preferred to De Jongh and Aplon at inside centre and fullback respectively.
Aplon who played his last Test against Italy in East London at fullback, will probably make his debut against the All Blacks from the bench with De Jongh possibly out of the match-22
“The All Blacks are still the number one team in the world. It’s the dream of any youngster playing rugby in South Africa, to play against the All Blacks. I am still a bit nervous and sometime have to pinch myself to feel if everything is real,” Aplon said about the impending clash against the arch enemy.
Bakkies Botha (hamstring) and Danie Rossouw (hip) did not participate in Tuesday’s practice session. They will be given a chance until Thursday to recover.
Andries Bekker partnered Victor Matfield in the engine room, while Gurthrö Steenkamp, John Smit and Jannie du Plessis will again make up the front row.
The loose-forward combination of Pierre Spies, Schalk Burger and Francois Louw should remain the same.
According to Louw who will also make his debut against the Kiwis on Saturday, he expects the men in black will have a point to prove after their disappointing Tri-Nations campaign last year.
Ricky Januarie and Morné Steyn should remain as the halfback pairing, with Ruan Pienaar and Butch James warming the bench.
“We beat them thrice last year and they will probably be out to take revenge. We are expecting a great onslaught from them,” warned Steyn.
The possible Springbok starting line-up:
Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Jannie du Plessis, John Smit (captain) and Gurthrö Steenkamp.
6 Jul 2010, 18:33 pm
What is good is that we travel better and the confidence is there.
They will be tough tests, they always are, but the nice thing is, is that the Kiwi’s will also be nervous now.
The Boks have definitely made an improvement to their reputation…and long may it last.
6 Jul 2010, 18:38 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-157: F.ck sakes if that is the backline…
6 Jul 2010, 18:38 pm
Louw must let McCaw worry which he will surely be doing. McCaw getting on a bit and has never been the best Captain for the Kiwi’s and Louw is going to be in his face at the breakdowns…I relish it.
6 Jul 2010, 20:08 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-157: JdV at wing for the ABs game??!! WTF!! surely this will not be the game they is in for a big kick up the butt if they start fkn around with combos like this.
6 Jul 2010, 20:09 pm
@byoboy(byoboy)-161: I’m sure d ick and PdV won’t put JdV at wing ffs
6 Jul 2010, 20:26 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-157: Disappointing that. Why leave out De Jongh and Aplon? Damn crazy.
Anyhow go HOLLAND BEAT THOSE CHEATS FROM URUGUAY.
6 Jul 2010, 20:28 pm
@Puma(Puma)-163: Hear, hear…
6 Jul 2010, 20:29 pm
ET, ELLIOT WHERE ARE YOU???
6 Jul 2010, 20:32 pm
@Puma(Puma)-163: did you see that cheat suarez sitting out!
6 Jul 2010, 20:36 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-165:
Which thread is it going to be?
Chance gone abegging to Kuyt.
6 Jul 2010, 20:39 pm
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-165:
ET is here but I don’t know about that Elliot fellow.
6 Jul 2010, 20:41 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-166:
Are you at the Crusader Grounds where Cheeky brought his whole Spring Roses or Kwaru team to a practice?
6 Jul 2010, 20:43 pm
@ET(ET)-169: nope, it’s bloody cold there, i’m in front of my telly with single malt in hand…
6 Jul 2010, 20:46 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-170:
Good for you and malt it is.I will not forget OK?
6 Jul 2010, 20:51 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-170:
What a goal Giovanni?
6 Jul 2010, 20:54 pm
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo HOLLAND.
HUP……… HUP……… HUP……..HUP … HOLLAND.
Best goal in the tourney so far.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THE ORANJE.
6 Jul 2010, 20:55 pm
@ET(ET)-172:
I got his signature in a Best Buy Store in Miami in 2003 or thereabouts when he played for Glas. Rangers.
He was so recognisable to me(even thu he had a Rangers tracksuit on) but I was still so surprised.
6 Jul 2010, 20:55 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-170: HAHAHAHA. Glass of red in hand for me…hehe. Also 27 here today. No winter in Durbs Transie…hehe.
GO THE MEN IN ORANGE.
6 Jul 2010, 20:57 pm
@Puma(Puma)-173:
Who were the stars in that Ajax team you saw in Amsterdam?
Cruyff and company(70s) or Van Basten Gullit and company(80s)?
6 Jul 2010, 20:59 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-166: Did too Transie. Now hope the Oranje can beat em cheats from Uruaguay.
@Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-164: For sure.
Back to the tv.
6 Jul 2010, 20:59 pm
what a scorcher of a goal!!!!! But i bet you if suarez was in goal he would’ve save that
6 Jul 2010, 21:01 pm
@Puma(Puma)-173:no mate, maicon’s goal is still the best, from an acute angle at pace nogal
6 Jul 2010, 21:08 pm
@ET(ET)-176: Know they were before my time in Holland. I went there lat 89 to end of 94. Only got into football sometimes there with my Dutch friends. I mostly watched Ajax but never at the game at the pub with my Dutch mates. Still don’t know much about the game buddy. Enjoy the world cup. Watch it everytime but have enjoyed the 94 cup and this one the most. Maybe cause I was still living in Holland there even though it was held in the States and this one in our own country. I have beent to many Celtic games with my Scots mates too in Scotland. Still have with all that don’t know much about football. Enjoy it but need to get into it more. Rugby is is my sport love it with a passion. Though this world cup has been totally awesome and really want to watch mroe football after.
Now see some drama there. Think it was a accident and hope no concussion.
6 Jul 2010, 21:08 pm
@Puma(Puma)-180: Sorry man, too much wine…..hehehe. Know = No.
6 Jul 2010, 21:10 pm
@Puma(Puma)-180: Jeepers, reading through my post there.
Ignore the typos…hehehe.
Back to the tv.
6 Jul 2010, 21:11 pm
@Puma(Puma)-180:
OK so you got the stars like Bergkamp, Overmars, De Boer twins and company.
6 Jul 2010, 21:12 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-179: Well you know more than me Transie about this game. This time I am sitting with just football mad crazy mates. They say this is the best in this world cup. So if you say so and them something else. It is fine with me……
As long as Holland win Transie I am happy with that.
Go the men in ORANGE…………. HUP HOLLAND….. HUP… HUP HOLLAND.
Back later.
6 Jul 2010, 21:14 pm
Excellent goal by Diego Forlan.
6 Jul 2010, 21:14 pm
diego forlan is the MAN of the tournament!!!!! Hands down, same goal that he scored against Bafana!!! Defenders backing off!!! Sh.t
6 Jul 2010, 21:14 pm
@ET(ET)-183: Yes. Those were they players when I was there.
ET, I don’t have tv in my study. Also never blog from my lap top ever. So back to the tv. Back later buddy. Off to watch my old adopted country. Go the men in orange.
6 Jul 2010, 21:20 pm
@Puma(Puma)-187:
OK that’s fine.
6 Jul 2010, 21:23 pm
Damn come now Holland. Get one back after the break. This is Holland all over again. Get to the semi and just let it go.
Concentrate Holland. Don’t let this one slip.
6 Jul 2010, 21:24 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-186:
Going to be Sneijder or Klose who is going to get a brace tomorrow against Spain.
6 Jul 2010, 21:25 pm
Come on Uruguay.
I say it again, Diego Forlan is the man of the tournament. Unbelievable ability to make something happen under immense pressure.
I’ve backed Uruguay all tournament, and they’ve given me lots of satisfaction. The little country up against the big boys.
They’ll probably lose to Holland, but boy are they putting up a fight to the bitter end.
And that Forlan. Simply unbelievable.
6 Jul 2010, 21:26 pm
Pity about that equaliser.
But what a pleasure to see the best goalie of the World Cup, Luis Suarez, sitting on the bench, picking his nose.
Holland must just finish it off now.
6 Jul 2010, 21:28 pm
@ET(ET)-190: david villa not far behind!!! Sneijder? I don’t think so!!!
6 Jul 2010, 21:31 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-186:
Great strike that – I could see it coming.
Just sorry Muller from Germany not playing tomorrow.
6 Jul 2010, 21:32 pm
@I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-192: am quite content seeing the shot stopper suarez out there! Bloody Agent!
6 Jul 2010, 21:34 pm
@AiDoc(AiDoc)-155: The Boks did not have the lesser travel last year. NZ did have a more challenging itinerary last year than they do this year.
Perth is six hours ahead of SA and three hours behind Sydney and Brisbane. SA do not have the travel advantage when playing Australia in Perth.
Any which way one looks at it, SA is playing two neighboring countries in Australasia, while NZ is playing one country in Southern Africa.
6 Jul 2010, 21:37 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-195: good day julius
6 Jul 2010, 21:39 pm
@I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-194: yeah pity about mueller, i had him in my fantasy league but had to sub him… Athletico Madrid must forget about Forlan, he is gone, they must just be content with pocketing £60 million for him, he is gone. I can see those arab motherf.ckers from Man City writing the cheque.
6 Jul 2010, 21:41 pm
@Tacitus(Tacitus)-191: forgive me for pointing out the obvious but shouldn’t you be supporting the Dutchies in view of your Dutch heritage?
6 Jul 2010, 21:41 pm
@sharks_lover(sharks_lover)-197: sawubona mangaliso!
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