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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  • 251.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:42 pm

    15 min to more history making for the Jammies so who worries about March when it is August now?

  • 252.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:48 pm

    @ufo-249:
    ok, never mind then

    @Dawn-250:
    no
    but some days my brain does not work as well as i would like
    i dont know why

    i would drink coffee or tea, but its too late for that
    will not sleep

  • 253.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:49 pm

    can any sports scientists out there explain something to me…??

    i know the highjump ladies are all tall, lean, lithe and ripped…

    these are obvious criteria for excelling in the discipline,…

    but since when was it written into the rules that model looks are also prescribed requirements for female olympic highjumpers…!!

    dang darn it…!! :shock:

    never seen such a beautiful group of athletes anywhere…any time… ever…!

  • 254.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:49 pm

    @wait for it, wait for it…-247: i called you a c.ock.i would never call a man a d.oos.

  • 255.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:50 pm

    The Jammies, simply islanders, mock with all their antics(see Bolt in front of the CCTV cams) the big, rich nations. Worse yet despite all their custom-structured steroids they can do nothing about the matter.

  • 256.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:51 pm

    Amos left the young Kenyan in his wake

    Amos was the only 800 athlete anywhere remotely within striking distance of Rudisha.

    Amos bust the old olympic record in his FIRST Olympic final obliterated the rest of the field at 1.41,33 which is the THIRD fastest 800 OF ALL time only running slower than Rudisha making him the SECOND fastest 800 runner ever.

    That’s why Rudisha is king and Amos is the heir apparent and not the 17 year old Kenyan who was a further full second (approx 8 mts ) behind.

  • 257.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:53 pm

    donato bronze…

    awesome stuff…

    well done old man… showing the whippersnappers how to do it…!!

  • 258.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:54 pm

    @ufo-253:

    It’s one of my favourite events.

    For that very reason.

  • 259.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:55 pm

    @wait for it, wait for it…-252:

    Is jy bang dat jy as ‘n ware ou boer in jou bed sal pis?

  • 260.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:55 pm

    Let’s get rrready to rrrrrumble!

  • 261.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:56 pm

    iaas…

    hehehe…

    good man..!! :wink:

    200m bout to start…

  • 262.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:56 pm

    @ufo-257:

    Lol, there was also the 34 year old Felix Sanchez who won gold in the 400 m hurdles. Now where is that spikes…….

  • 263.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:57 pm

    go jobodwana….!!!

  • 264.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:57 pm

    here comes sub 19.2 in the 200

    And watch out for Blake he can shock the world tonight

  • 265.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:57 pm

    :lol: rob

  • 266.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 21:58 pm

    Oogle what kuk you talking.

    Are you dronk.

  • 267.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:00 pm

    A triple history-making event and a trifecta for the fun-loving Jammies.

  • 268.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:01 pm

    What a legend!!!

  • 269.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:02 pm

    My name is not Dawn. :roll:

  • 270.IAAS: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:02 pm

    @fitz1ella-264:

    Blake ran like a man possessed – but Bolt is in a league of his own.

    First man to have retained the 200m Olympic title. Something Carl Lweis couldn’t do.

  • 271.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:02 pm

    So there.

    IREE!!!!!!!

  • 272.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:03 pm

    Fantastic stuff by the islanders.

    Now for the javelin. Go Sunette.

  • 273.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:04 pm

    Nope the sprint King is still the King

    Bolt now surpassing Owens, Johnson, Lewis as the greatest sprinter ever

    19.32 is Johnson’s Atlanta WR time

    Jamaican 1,2;3 clean sweep, when last did that occur? Way back in the Usa heydays

  • 274.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:04 pm

    Here comes our girl!Go Viljoen!!

  • 275.>^..^< katman: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:05 pm

    If Bolt put his back in over the last 10m, he would have beaten the olympic record. Why do they ease up like that? To look cool across the line?

  • 276.ufo: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:08 pm

    Sunette = uMkhonto we Sizwe…!!

  • 277.wait for it, wait for it...: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:10 pm

    @stormerforlife1-254:
    look, if this is about caster then you misunderstand me. i mean her no ill will.
    i have an urge to insult you, but what’s the point then.

    @Oerwoudrugbymag-259:
    nee, koffie hou my deur die nag wakker as ek dit te laat in die aand drink
    dis al wat ek se

    .

    ok
    i’m going to bed
    goodnight all and enjoy your olympics (not a fan) but enjoy it all the same

  • 278.carol: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:11 pm

    Day off for you lot…!

    Yet ANOTHER SA holiday !!

    Oh well, at least there was something on the telly!!

  • 279.carol: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:12 pm

    @>^..^< katman-275:

    Blimey, Bolt is milking this for all it is worth……

  • 280.carol: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:15 pm

    The Mens 800m Gold medalist seems a nice bloke…… A Kenyan.

    Funny National Anthem, not exactly catchy!

  • 281.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:15 pm

    @fitz1ella-264: @fitz1ella-273:

    Praat jy jou hondkop se KAK weer?
    Lees jou 264 en dan jou nuwe testament se 273. Hondkak is jy maar altyd.

  • 282.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:16 pm

    @carol-279: You have a problem with it stormfront trooper?

  • 283.Dawn: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:17 pm

    Oogle are you extraball?

  • 284.carol: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:19 pm

    @stormerforlife1-282:
    He’s not the only athelete who has won a medal today!

  • 285.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:19 pm

    @Oerwoudrugbymag-281: ET…..is that you? :D

  • 286.carol: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:21 pm

    @stormerforlife1-282:

    Oh btw you are a complete p r a t!

    Just my opinion!

  • 287.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:21 pm

    Bolt on BBC says he is fast tonight but not fit enough and that is why he did not break a WR like Rudisha did.

  • 288.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:26 pm

    Bolt is a gentleman.He could easily have smashed the record but refused to to take the shine off his African brother’s night.The night belonged to David Rudisha.

  • 289.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:27 pm

    @Robzim

    Waar is Robzim vanaand? Praat jy altyd met ‘n man as hy slaap(Maandagaand)? Het jy my ook gevoel, jy is mos ‘n Kaapse Stormer? Dit was ****** koud in Kirkwood hierdie laaste klompie dae.

  • 290.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:31 pm

    I wonder whether BNP members also celebrate team GB’S medals won by black Olympians?

  • 291.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:32 pm

    @stormerforlife1-288:

    He and his Jammie mates stopped the BBC interview while the Kenyan national anthem for Rudisha’s gold was playing(to honour Kenya and Rudisha). They continued it after the anthem.

  • 292.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:34 pm

    I got it little wrong above, Amos’ silver medal 800 time wasn’t 1.41,33 which is what I thought I heard commentators say, it was 1.41,73 for new world junior record but not the 3rd fastest 800 ever but definitely not far off it..

  • 293.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:35 pm

    @oogle-291: That’s respect for you!I missed that.Watching the coverage on Eurosport.

  • 294.oogle: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:40 pm

    @stormerforlife1-293:

    BBC is the best for these things. I do keep an eye on Eurosport(Britain) too.

  • 295.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:45 pm

    @fitz1ella-292:

    Ag man almal weet jy praat pure strond. En niemand neem jou kwalik. Gaan slaap oupa dit is f o k k en laat vir jou.

  • 296.fitz1ella: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:46 pm

    @Oerwoudrugbymag-281:

    Wie die vok is jy jou onnoselike kont

    Ek het voorspel Blake Kan miskien iets oorwonderd uittrek op die aand en dat hy of Bolt onder 19’20 Kan hardloop.

    Het nie gebeur, Bolt het 19’32 gekry selle tyd as Johnson’s se ou WR om n par meter voor Blake te eindig.

  • 297.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:50 pm

    9-1 trashing for the Brits in the mens hockey semi against the Netherlands. OUCH!!

  • 298.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 22:59 pm

    @fitz1ella-296:

    DommemPoppen lees jou woorde van 264 en 273.
    (watch out for Blake he can shock the world tonight – 264)- geen miskien daar

    En janee jy kan miskien jou broekies ook vuil maak voor jy nou gaan slaap. Nou F O K of net voor jy dit doen.

  • 299.stormerforlife1: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 23:01 pm

    @Oerwoudrugbymag-298: sies man ET!

  • 300.Oerwoudrugbymag: Reply to this comment
    9 Aug 2012, 23:03 pm

    @fitz1ella-296:

    oorwonderd uittrek – waar?

    Miskien uit jou poephol?
    Ek mors my tyd met ‘n gemors soos jy. Ek gaan liewers slaap.

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Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

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