Jean: Pumas Tests are crucial

Jean: Pumas Tests are crucial

9 Aug 2012

Jean de Villiers says the first two Tests against Argentina will be the Springboks’ most important with regards to building some early momentum in the Rugby Championship.

The Boks will play Argentina in Cape Town on 18 August before facing the Pumas in Mendoza on 25 August. They’re the easiest fixtures when one considers that the Boks have never lost to Argentina, and that the other two teams in the tournament, Australia and New Zealand, have enjoyed a good record against South Africa in recent times.

But on Wednesday, the Bok captain said that Argentina won’t be easy-beats, and that the first two matches of the campaign are vitally important for reasons beyond results.

‘It [complacency] is a trap we won’t fall into,’ said De Villiers. ‘These two games are the most important in the tournament. Argentina will be psyched up given it’s their first appearance, they will be throwing everything they have at us.

‘For us, it’s important to build on what we achieved in that England series. We were disappointed with the way we ended the series [with a draw in Port Elizabeth]. We have to look at the positives of that series and bring it all together in one 80-minute performance.

‘We see it as a big positive to play against Argentina, and we’re not looking past that.’

The majority of the squad got together on Sunday, while the Sharks’ Boks, who competed in the Super Rugby final in Hamilton, have now joined the team in Cape Town.

The Boks will enjoy two weeks of preparation ahead of that first Test against Argentina, a marked difference to the build up to the England series where they were only afforded a few days together before the first Test.

‘There’s a different mindset knowing you don’t have another tournament to go back to,’ said De Villiers. ‘We played against England knowing we would have to go back to the Super 15. But now all of our focus is on this tournament [the Rugby Championship]. It must also be a positive that we have a whole extra week to prepare compared to that England series.’

The Bok captain defended the game plan, and believes it could bring them success in the coming months. He did concede that the team would need to be more accurate in their implementation of this playing pattern.

‘We didn’t have much time for preparation ahead of that England series, so we stuck to a simple game plan. In saying that, we scored two great tries on the counterattack in the second half of that first Test, and we’ve not seen that side of Bok rugby for awhile.

‘The rugby we played in first half of the second Test was outstanding. There are areas that we can improve but there are also good signs. Hopefully we can evolve, but the more rugby changes the more it stays the same. It’s about getting into the right areas and taking your opportunities.’

De Villiers also defended flyhalf Morné Steyn, who along with the Bok game plan came in for some strong criticism after the third Test against England.

The skipper feels that Steyn is the right man for the Boks and that the only area in Steyn’s game that is below par is his goal-kicking.

‘I tend to disagree with that perception [that Steyn is in a bad space mentally]. His general play in that England series was very good, it was only his kicking at goal that let him down a bit.

‘We’re so used to him kicking at 90 percent, so when he doesn’t there is some concern. But his decision making on attack has been good, and he’s varied his play well.

‘He’s in a good place mentally, and hopefully he can sort out the kicking. We are not too concerned.’

By Jon Cardinelli, in Cape Town


310 Comments

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  • 201.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:51 pm

    @ufo-195:

    Interesting that all our medals so far have been in watersport.

  • 202.Puma: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:53 pm

    Well done Caster. She looked at ease and in total control in winning her heat. Really do hope Caster can win the gold. She looks as if she can.

  • 203.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:55 pm

    no doubt the olympics is the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet…

    and the brits putting on the best ever games…!!

    huge respect for the decathletes…!!

    they have to be the best all round sportsmen on the planet for all the different disciplines testing their all round ability… surely settling all argument…

    willem coertzen doing us proud but not in medal contention…

  • 204.Dusky: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:56 pm

    @ufo-200: Jean is 31 – not too far to go :-)

  • 205.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:58 pm

    yeah rob… for once it’s a positive thing to say they are fair-weather sports people… :wink:

    sunny skies, braaivleis and chevrolets have to have pay-off sometime…!!

  • 206.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:59 pm

    Jessie Owens,Carl Lewis and soon Usain Bolt are greater athletes and legends than what the rugby world can offer.Rugby is not a true world sport.

  • 207.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:59 pm

    dusky…

    that’s 4 years…!! plenty time to captain the boks at the next world cup…!! :wink:

  • 208.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 20:59 pm

    800m final- now we can witness true greatness- Rudisha is one of the greatest athletes ever over any distance.

  • 209.Puma: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:00 pm

    @Robzim-194: Hope she takes the Gold on Saturday. She looked like she went for a stroll….lol. Seemed so in control, just looked effortless for her. Also her semi was the toughest. Well done. Truely hope she picks up the gold now.

    Superb by Hartley too picking up the bronze. Thought if it was a second longer she would have taken the silver. Came from behind for that bronze. Great race by her. Now for Viljoen to get a medal later tonight. Hope she can get a gold as well. We also have a saffa in the 200m later. Whether he can pick up a medal have no idea. Hope so.

  • 210.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:01 pm

    rob… do you know what happened with burry stander…?

    heard he was racing this afternoon… but was on the mountain… can’t find anything about him…

  • 211.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:02 pm

    world record!!!!

  • 212.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:02 pm

    rudisha doing it for africa in a new world record…!!!

  • 213.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:02 pm

    You can add Rudisha to that list now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 214.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:02 pm

    Tac says Spies has legs like Usain.

  • 215.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:03 pm

    What a run by Rudisha. Was in total control the whole race.

  • 216.Puma: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:04 pm

    Brilliant absolutely brilliant run by Rudisha. Gets a world record too. Awesome run.

  • 217.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:04 pm

    Rudisha is an ATHLETIC GOD!!

  • 218.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:04 pm

    rob… what chance caster giving us a world record on saturday…?

    don’t be surprised…!

  • 219.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:05 pm

    @ufo-210:

    He is only racing sunday afternoon at 14h30 .

  • 220.charo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:05 pm

    @Dawn-174:

    which website was that taken from?

    it was a bladdy good rant.

    expresses what a lot of us think.

  • 221.Dusky: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:06 pm

    @ufo-207: I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • 222.Puma: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:06 pm

    @ufo-218: Would be awesome ufo. Just want her to get gold first though.

  • 223.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:07 pm

    oh… cool… thanks rob…

    was worried i’d missed something…!!

  • 224.Puma: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:07 pm

    Now for Bolt in the 200m final later tonight. Should take gold.

    Really hope our man picks up a medal.

  • 225.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:08 pm

    @Robzim-194:
    @ufo-195:
    i just hope, and i say this sincerely, that she is dutifully taking whatever hormonal treatment medication she is expected to and that if she does win a medal and is subsequently tested for compliance (which she will probably be, considering the whole debacle that came before and any issues competitors may have) that any such tests come up positively, no i mean negatively?) which would be positively, in her favour.

  • 226.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:09 pm

    Someone posted it on FB.

    I thought it rang true.

  • 227.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:11 pm

    yeah puma bud… of course… first things first…

    but she’ll be pushed in the final… she just cruised in this time without even having to engage top gear… astonished the commentators that she’s back to her best…!!

  • 228.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:11 pm

    @Puma-209:

    Hartley did brilliantly indeed. Rowing is a very minority sport in SA- here in CT I have just about never seen anybody doing it- I have no idea where she trained and who trained her as it seems like quite a technical sport and coaching is obviously very important. Seems like a nice sport though, i always watch the Oxford/Campridge race.

  • 229.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:12 pm

    dawn… charo…

    yes… excellent article…

  • 230.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:12 pm

    @wait for it, wait for it…-225: ??????Don’t hang yourself now.Rubbish post.

  • 231.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:14 pm

    bakkies…

    of course she will…

    after what she’s been put through so unfairly of course she’s gonna be clean…

    show some faith man…!!

    sheesh…

  • 232.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:15 pm

    i mean it will positively be negative… that she is not taking her medication?

    i’m confused

    i mean if she is tested, the test must show she is taking whatever medication she’s supposed to.

  • 233.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:16 pm

    bakkies don’t be churlish man…

  • 234.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:17 pm

    Astronomical 800

    fastest 800 Ever !!

    New WR 1.40,91 by Rudisha first man under 1.41

    and AMOS – BOTSWANA 18 yr old young heir to the throne was not over awed by the big event to pull out the 3rd FASTEST 800 OF ALL TIME

    Beating Kipketer and Coe’s old records to go 1.41,33 in his FIRST olympics at 18 yrs of age

    Astronomical performance take a bow young AMOS, Rudisha may have bust the world record but Amos bust the old olympics record AND have only run slower time than the WR holder Rudisha himself .. Ever !!

  • 235.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:20 pm

    @IAAS-197: Ha ha. Don’t joke though. In the winter olympics they manage to put skiing and shooting a shotgun in the same event.

  • 236.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:22 pm

    The 4x100m record still in the hand of the East Germans!That must be one of the last dodgy records still on the record books.

  • 237.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:24 pm

    This Italian triple jumper is looking pretty good. I mean, he’s almost my age.

  • 238.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:25 pm

    @ufo-231:
    i have faith in her
    i do not have faith in the government/sascock people

    @ufo-233:
    i had to google the word.
    i do not believe i am being churlish
    honestly, i mean this in the nicest way possible and only with her best interests at heart.

    @stormerforlife1-230:
    please refer above.

  • 239.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:25 pm

    Bakkies always confuses himself

  • 240.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:26 pm

    South African March Fiasconaro (in the colours of Italy at the time) once held the world record for the 800m in a time of 1.43.7. He was more a rugby player and party- animal than a professional athlete- i wonder what he would have achieved if he had to train like these guys?

  • 241.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:26 pm

    It’s a well-known fact that some of those E-German women…..some would call them men……were loaded to the rafters with testerone drugs.

  • 242.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:27 pm

    @wait for it, wait for it…-238: you are a **** yourself….most of the times.

  • 243.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:29 pm

    cool bakks… will take your word for it…

  • 244.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:32 pm

    What happened to our female sprinters?Yvette de Klerk probably the last good one.

  • 245.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:33 pm

    And why is , Rudisha’s countryman who is only 17yrs.old and ran 3rd. not the heir apparent especially considering the Kenyan history in this distance and longer?

  • 246.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:34 pm

    go donato go…!!

  • 247.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:36 pm

    @stormerforlife1-242:
    i dont understand? i never called you a doo.s at all?

    @ufo-243:
    thank you.

    would you say the following is a correct usage of the the words little sensitivities? i tried googling it with no success:

    29.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    8 Aug 2012, 20:07 pm

    @pillsbury27-8:

    Stormers supporters do have a sense of humour.

    Unlike Bulls and Sharks supporters who have little sensitivities.

    30.wait for it, wait for it…: Reply to this comment
    8 Aug 2012, 22:58 pm
    @IAAS-29:
    little sensitivities..?..
    i dont even know what that means.

    31.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    8 Aug 2012, 23:11 pm
    @wait for it, wait for it…-30:

    Little sensitivities means……..

    wait for it……

    it’s coming………

    The Bulls losing at fortress Loftus. hahahahahahaha

    You did ask for details.

  • 248.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:39 pm

    @wait for it, wait for it…-247:
    i suspect he screwed up there
    but i cant be sure

  • 249.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:40 pm

    don’t ask me to explain what someone else says bakks…

  • 250.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:42 pm

    Bakkies are you dronk

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