Boks‘ self-belief is under scrutiny

By Robert Smith

SYDNEY – Despite two lopsided losses, South Africa rugby coach Jake White maintains that his Springbok touring squad is laden with talent.

The secret to success in today‘s Tri-Nations match against Australia, he says, is making the squad believe it.

There is no lack of motivation after a 49-0 thumping by Australia at Brisbane three weeks ago that ranked among the worst losses in Springbok history. A 35-17 defeat to the All Blacks in the New Zealand capital the following week was an improvement.

“I think the most important area everyone addressed is the mental aspect,” White said yesterday. “We haven‘t done well in the first two Tests and we just want to rectify that.

“It‘s not a case of whether the players are good enough – it‘s a case of whether they are mentally ready for it.”

White said it was important for the injury-weakened Springbok lineup to remember that their reputations depended on more than one terrible loss.

“You just reassure them of the things we‘ve done and look back at what they‘ve achieved over the last two and a half years. It‘s not all forgotten,” he said. “You can‘t judge yourself on one 80-minute game of rugby.”

Heavy rain fell in Sydney yesterday and White believes that played to South Africa‘s advantage because it potentially limits the attacking ability of the Australian backline and benefits the bigger Springbok pack.

Wallaby scrumhalf George Gregan, who will break John Eales‘s record of 55 matches as Australia captain when he runs out in Sydney, said the Springboks would take a massive gamble if their eagerness for revenge translated to a stagger in their rushing defence.

The tourists were heavily penalised for offside in the loss at Brisbane, and also exposed in the midfield when Wallaby playmakers Matt Giteau and Steve Larkham found space to attack.

White made two changes to his XV from the last start, with wing Akona Ndungane returning from injury for Breyton Paulse and Johann Muller earning a second-row spot.

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