Vodacom Ad Idea (Part II)

Hi Nick

Thanks for your passion and great idea! It is most appreciated. As far as I know, Vodacom have no plans to extend the bushmen campaign at this stage, but I have copied your mail to HN who heads up the Vodacom business at Draftfcb.

H can you please confirm>?

Regards
J
JD Managing Director

DRAFTFCB

Here's the idea again:

The camera lifts over a chugging generator, following the electric cable to the back of a flat screen TV, lifts over it... A bunch of Bushmen are sitting in the sand, watching the world cup final.(Don't ask me how it got there, I mean, it's like how did the rugby ball get there...?)

It's the scene where Toby Flood pushes Percy. Just before he Bok-springs over the advertising board, the ball TUNKS him on the head. Remember?

Cut to the Bushmen laughing. The one who suffered the original injury picks up the ball, and demonstrates, 'KOK KWAH'

Scene cuts to the Boks raising Mbeki on their shoulders, Bushmen raise their arms, cheering and laughing, showing Bok horns and starting to dance in the sun-filled late afternoon dust.

This also fits in line, I feel, with the idea that both the Boks, and Vodacom have spread the feel good factor to each and every corner of South Africa.

Hooka Chekkah Cheetah (PICTURES)

Well it was always going to be a good weekend, and it turned out to be a feast - and I'm not talking about just food here. from the point of view of Vrystaaaters, life couldn't be better. A Bok win, the Boks in Bloem, the Boks walking around a rugby field at Grey College, and then a thrilling Currie Final - the Cheetah's finishing in a sprint to edge out the lions.

Great stuff.
I also dragged my sleep deprived corpse out of bed on a grizzly cold and windy Saturday morning for a 100km race.

Time: 2:57
HR: 159 average (171 max)
KCal: 3225
Ascent: 525
Temp: 12/15/18
Altitude avg: 1277 (1197 min/1383 max)
Distance Officially 100km, was actually about 95.7km.
Average speed: 32.3km/h

There were periods were I was giving 100% on this ride, absolute maximal effort. I'm not talking about a sprint, about pushing against a long drag after 85km, against the wind, on legs that haven't gone further than 50km in trining (once a week!). The result: I was completely whacked for the rest of the day, and the next day also.

We had dinner at the Mexican, and after 2 double whiskies I was in la la land. Outside 2nd Avenue was rocking, with lots of the goddesses on this website walking around freely...and all I wanted to go was go sleep.

Image above shows the Boks doing a lap of honour at half time. Cheetah's Juan Smith and Os held the cup to load applause.

Felt like an old man Sunday morning, but what a beautiful morning. Crisp and bright, the sun soft and light and brisk through the leftover fluff of the vigorous front that had whisked through.
Went to what used to be my Granny's old house - it's now D'Marco's - and had something to drink on the stoep. Was weird to wander through the old house, people were having lunch in what used to be her bedroom.

Watched part of the highlights again with my dad on Sunday afternoon. with 15 minutes to go the score was 18-6. We made up the deficit with Generaal de Waal not missing any of the vital kicks. Final score: 18-20 to the Cheetah's. It's great that we have Oom Leon supporting our team; we get our own song which Supersport also punts. The motorbikes, balloons, dancing girls, stetsons and overall 'House of Orange' add up to a fabulous atmosphere. I mean, it's what being a South African is all about isn't it.

Alles in die kol as die Cheetah hol.

Webb Ellis whitewash

by Chris Hewitt

After their 36-0 capitulation to the Boks in the pool stages, England's progression to the final has been the stuff of fable. It's also been a bloody farce.

This is a side ranked seventh in the world heading into the tournament, and not looking a place better for much of the last four years.

This is a side who within 12 months have lost their last four Tests to the men in green and gold, at home, away and on neutral ground.

This is a side coached by man whose rugby philosophy is as up-to-date, relevant and inspiring as the Penny Farthing.

And this is a side who depend more on one man than the giraffes did on Noah.

For the rest of this News24 article, click here.

NVDL: Couldn't agree more. They may give us a run for the first 10 - 15 minutes. The Boks need just remain disciplined and not get flustered, put points on the board, and then break England's spirit. Easy as english pie. But that makes it a disappointing final for me - would have preferred the All Blacks or the French. Especially a World Cup victory over the All Blacks would have been sweet.

An England - Bok Final

England didn't really win their semi final did they? France lost. They were unlucky, but they seemed to also to tempt the Bad Luck Fairy. Ja, it's a sad state of affairs, because it means the Boks now have to - yawn - play England again.
I'm not suggesting it's going to be a walkover second round against England. I'm just saying it's going to be dull. A Final with France would have been an amazing specatcle to round of the Boks superb World Cup run.

Yes, the French-England game was compelling. But France seemed to lack a basic sense of knowing what to do. If they'd played the way they did in the last five minutes for the duration of game - instead of belting it ineffectually around as they did against New Zealand in the first half - England would not have stood a chance.

I had a terrible feeling England was going to score in the last 10 to 15 minutes, and that's exactly what they did. The game was compelling not so much because of the performances on the field, but because of the score. At half time the margin was one point (6-5 to France). For most of the second half France remained a single point ahead (at 9-8), and were sometimes unlucky not to score.

But you can't expect to hold off a passionate and determined team with a one point margin, especially when you don't learn from your mistakes. I was fully behind France, and felt fairly gutted by the way they lost. It could have ended a lot differently, but that's how the game goes.

For more, click here.

Habana Vs Australia (VIDEO)

Bryan Habana Against Australia - Click here for more amazing videos

Habana Neutralised in Fiji Game

Did Bryan Habana play yesterday? You'd swear he didn't. He was completely neutralized by the big lugs from Fiji. And you got the feeling if he got the ball more than he did, he would have limped off the field, trailing bloody rags.

On Keo.co.za it's reported that Habana has, what - been nominated for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award. Re-he-he-heallly? Any chance we can hold off on these awards until AFTER the world cup? Why? Because it seems to me that at least 3 crucial games still need to be played to establish who are some of the best players.

For others on the shortlist, click here.

I'd like to see Habana make up for the Ngwenya defeat. In my book he hasn't, and I'd like to see him do his thing. Handing out awards at this stage of the game seems - to me - to be premature. And anyway, I think there are two or three other Springboks that are impressing me a lot in the last few games: Schalk Burger, Jaque Fourie and Juan Smith. So let's hold up on these nominations...

JP Pietersen Buys Himself Unlimited Credit

Close to the 70th minute South African J. P. Pietersen spoiled a flying Ifereimi Rawaqa's bid for the corner. Pietersen scooped up the big man as he dived across the line, pinning down his arms and preventing him -- just -- from grounding the ball.

Pietersen has been criticised in lounges and living rooms for some time now, for making a hash during crucial runs. One living room expert said early in the game yesterday:
"He's a great player, as long as you put the ball into his hands. Otherwise he fumbles."

Pietersen's once-in-a-million spoiler, in the in-goal area, at a crucial time in a crucial match, will have wiped out all those bad debts.

Meanwhile, what is the difference between an arsonist and the All Blacks?
An arsonist does not lose his last match.

What's the difference between a tea bag and the All Blacks?
A tea bag remains in the Cup until the end.

RWC: Boks overcome Ferocious Fijians (37-20)

Springbok Powerhouse shrug off nerves to pull off convincing win

With a halftime score looking ominously like the New Zealand score (versus France), at 13-3 , it was starting to look like a third upset was on the cards. Jacque Fourie’s easy-as-you-please try in the second third of the first half was an anomaly. After an hour’s play, scores were level at 20-20, and the Boks were tempted to doubt themselves, as their Southern Hemisphere rivals had done to their detriment on Saturday.

Saturday’s upsets provided the Boks with powerful incentives not to make the same mistakes.

Errors

Yet both sides made handling errors; the Fijians messed up their own lineouts, and took chances in scrummages and tackles, while Springbok Francois Steyn’s performance blew hot and cold. Schalk Burger uncharacteristically missed a crucial tackle that led to a try.

The Boks erred in throwing the ball out wide, opening themselves up to the fleetfooted Fijians (and Sevens World Champs).

The turning point came for South Africa in the second half. But not due to the sin binning of Seru Rabeni for his high tackle on Butch James. In fact, with Rabeni gone the fourteen remaining Fijians still scored twice in quick succession. It could so easily have gone the other way. A desperate tackle soon after these two tries saved the Boks from a disastrous third try, and a morale breaking score (perhaps 25-20).

Spoiler

All this happened close to the 70th minute with South African JP Pietersen spoiling flying Ifereimi Rawaqa’s surge for the corner. Pietersen scooped up the big man as he dived across the line, pinning down his arms and preventing him – just – from grounding the ball.

The Fijians disappointment at this near miss began to infect the Boks with the impulse, the nerve to counterattack, and to do so within a prescribed game plan. And so they fought their way back to ascendancy. The match was characterized by ruthless high tackles, perhaps more from the bulky Fijians, but the Boks were also guilty of playing rough, and spilling blood.

Thanks to solid leadership from the Bok captain, John Smit, the Bok troops gathered themselves up, and shut down the Fijians. They effectively placed a garage door on their own try line at one point, barricading this zone against the bulldozing attempts of the muscular Fijians.

Composure

After some frantic initial countering, the Boks did what the Aussies and Kiwi’s failed to do, they regained their composure, and fell back into a game plan that involved muscling, mauling and rucking their way through the Fijians. It worked again through Free State flank Juan Smith, and again at the death – although Butch James had to clean up the attempt by running it slightly wide and fast from the ruck to score his try. In the end the Boks pulled off 5 tries.

The last of the four quarter finals games is on Sunday between Argentina and Scotland. Argentina are the favorites, but given what has already happened this weekend, there’s almost no point in mentioning that.

SA try scorers: Jaque Fourie, John Smit, JP Pietersen, Juan Smith, Butch James. Conversions: Percy Montgomery (3). Penalties: Francois Steyn, Percy Montgomery (1 each).
Fiji try scorers: Vilimoni Delasau, Sireli Bobo. Conversions: Seremaia Bai (2). Penalties: Seremaia Bai (2).

RWC: French Stun NZ

New Zealand choke; Aussies also on their way home

Southern hemisphere teams and supporters suffered a collective jaw drop as they saw first Australia fold under pressure against England (losing 12-10), and then New Zealand lose their composure. Both sides played with uncharacteristic caution, allowing their opponents to take up the slack and generate their own momentum.

Many rugby supporters, myself included, saw both these matches as mere formalities for the the Southern Hemisphere teams, en route to the Semi’s.

While the Aussies performance reeked, the All Blacks played well, finishing their first half with a 13-0 lead, and a lead that looked unassailable at that point. The French tactic up until then was to boot the ball ineffectually around, giving away possession, and so losing the ability to develop any cogent form of attack.

2nd Fiddle

In the second half, everything changed. Kiwi magician Luke McAlister who had already scored a brilliant try in the first half, was sent to the sin bin early in the second half for a professional foul on the try line. Beauxis kicked the penalty, putting the first points on the board for France. At this point the score was 13-3.

The pendulum begun to shift as the French team surged. Playing with visible courage, they were suddenly committed and believing in themselves. The first French try came soon after ‘caveman’ Sébastien Chabal and Dimitri Szarzewski joined the field. Sustained pressure bore fruit, starting with flanker Thierry Dusautoir’s try. Meanwhile, more and more of the big names from the opposing squad limped off the field. The French fight back was hard and tough. Facing this resurgent French team, the Kiwi’s first faded, then choked.

In one encounter 5 All Blacks converged on the ball as it passed the try line, with two All Black players colliding into one another. Then, with around 10 minutes remaining, French wizard (on his day) Michalak – replacing Beauxis – broke away and squirmed around to hand over to Yannick Jauzion for their second try.

Disciplined Defence

It was a brave and brutal fight back by the Tricolores. The French defended with tremendous discipline, even to the last second of the game. The French scored all 20 of their points in the second half; New Zealand managed only 5 points (from a single unconverted try). Despite the big hearts of the French players, the margin was small in the final score: 20-18.

But New Zealand’s second half performance overall was as off color in the as their shirts.
Captain Richie McCaw was understandably at a loss for words after the game. He described the error of engaging in ‘ping-pong’ with the French, and straying from their own game plan. But even South African viewers were shocked at this double turnaround.

That the TriNations top two teams were stymied was not necessarily due to being beaten by better teams, but losing composure under pressure. Both sides were not really tested until these quarter final games, and vitally, when you’re behind in crucial knock out games and facing a deadline, self belief and composure becomes paramount.

Not Convincing

It’s also fair to say that the 2 point winning margin doesn’t demonstrate convincing victories from either England or France. All it demonstrates is the North’s will to win overcame their adversary’s fear of losing.

New Zealand especially are guilty of putting far too much pressure on themselves when facing defeat in World Cup games. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. When behind, does desperation lead to doubt, or belief?

These matches provide excellent counseling for the remaining Southern Hemisphere powerhouse, South Africa, who are now the favorites on paper. Having seen how giants can be slaughtered, do they have the composure in the face of terrible pressure and possible defeat?

After the bruising encounters on Saturday, it’s unlikely that France or England will be able to pick themselves up to face the Boks, who are looking superstrong. But stranger things have happened.

Are We Chokers?

So we won against the Tongans. What was the score? 30-25 to us or to them? Skinstad - wearing a red Tonga shirt - called it correctly when he said it could 'easily have gone the other way'.

And this is Tonga (and prayers to God) right? Not New Zealand, not Australia, not even England! What was all that hype after the England game about 'we [the Boks] weren't going to let them [England] through our defence to score anything'. Suddenly the Bok defence becomes a permeable membrane. What is going on guys? One minute invincible, the next pushovers?

We've been here before. Are our guys (ruby players and cricketers) capable of doing the hard work? Yes. Have they got the guts and determination? Definitely. Do they believe in themselves? Yes - but only to a point. And therein lies the rub.

Duplicitousness

You can't fault our guys for not being consistent. Why? Because motivation and inspiration can't lie. When the pressure is immense enough, the flaws begin to show. And the flaws lie deeply in the South African psyche. Stuff that won't surprise anyone in this country: quotas, corruption, management style, the culture of dishonesty that insidiously declares: this is what South Africa is all about. All that bad stuff that goes on unrepresented...can we truly stand up and say we represent the country...in other words...only the good stuff? It's a false statement, and we know it.

To Serve

South Africa has a lot to learn about how to approach greatness. It should not be a selfish psychology (even if you can carry off the pretense that it isn't). Officials need to do service to the sport, so to the players. Too many people are in service to themselves. So there's a lack of trust. And a lack of trust causes a lack of confidence, and a lack of confidence brings about a lack of consistency. Ergo: when it comes to the big match points. Can he kick it over, can our cricketers make a conventional tally? Not every time.

That is the difference between our teams and the New Zealanders and Aussies. Their confidence is real because it is based on reality. Theirs is a unity in management and also amongst the players. Sport wins. Not individuals. Agendas are not in play. Racial cards adminsitrative power plays are not tossed onto boardroom tables at a moments notice.

We've seen our cricketers choke in all the big games. Will the Boks rediscover their true grit? Will they be able to play like a unified team? What if 15 players had the strength of an entire nation? We may never know.

The Lima Hit in Pictures

World Cup Rugby: England Bloodied By Boks

Springbok victory over defending champ puts them in pole position (RSA 36 ENG 0)

What was immediately obvious during Friday's match between defending World Cup champs, England, and their southern hemisphere rivals, was the amount of English blood.

The South Africans played aggressively against a team that seemed to lack assertiveness, and were simply overpowered by Bok brawn.

After only five minutes South African JP Pietersen stormed down the right flank after a lineout. He passed to Fourie du Preez, his scrum half, and du Preez passed to Juan Smith, who crossed the line for a try.

Shortly after, ex Grey College youngster Francois Steyn belted white leather 48 metres to add 3 more points. Mike Catt was unable to return the fsvour, when England won a penalty shortly after.

Winger Pietersen scored shortly before half time, putting the Boks into a decent 20-0 lead.

The carnage continued in the second half with England seeming to struggle under constant pressure; game maker Jason Robinson was forced to leave the field after pulling his hamstring. Brian Habana, the superfast South African, left the field for five minutes to treat a facial cut.

Fourie Du Preez, who set up many of his teams best moves, scored the third try in the last fifteen minutes. The Boks lost momentum , easing down a gear or two, as a constant stream of fresh players were substituted. This sideshow of putting various players through their paces was the backdrop to arguably the most confident and powerful side in this World Cup.

SA coach Jake White has said before: "A world champion team has the best defence." The Boks have proved to be virtually impenetrable. The struggling English side made several runs against the solid green hedge, only to emerge with bloodied white jerseys, and bleeding faces.

Percy Montgomery rounded off the game with a penalty, bringing his tally to an all match total of 47: Monty is now the highest point scorer for the tournament thus far. Fourie du Preez was named Man of the Match.

England must face and overcome another physical side - the Samoans - to reach the next round. But will they? After Friday's performance, this is by no means a certainty. And even if England do beat Samoa, they will probably face Australia in an equally bruising Quarter-Final.

Meanwhile Tournament favourites, and Tri-Nations champs, New Zealand must be biting their nails at the prospect of taking on the Boks in France. This is an almost certain destiny now for both sides.

Coming up soon:
New Zealand vs Portugal
Wales vs Australia
Ireland vs Georgia.

Tycoon flies in barrister to defend Schalk Burger

From The Times.co.za:
Craig Ray Published:Sep 13, 2007

A top London QC was flown to Paris yesterday — on South African tycoon Johann Rupert’s private jet — to defend Schalk Burger in the Bok star’s appeal against a four-match Rugby World Cup suspension.

John McCochran, a senior British barrister, will argue Burger’s case early today at a special hearing in the French capital.

He was flown across the channel in the luxury jet of Stellenbosch billionaire Rupert, chairman of the Swiss-based but SA-rooted Richemont luxury goods group. Rupert is a close friend of Burger’s father, Schalk senior, and a strong backer of Bok coach Jake White.

Burger was given a four-game suspension at a disciplinary hearing in Paris, which lasted until midnight on Tuesday. He had been cited by match commissioner Douglas Hines for an allegedly dangerous tackle on Samoan scrumhalf Junior Polu during Sunday’s match which the Boks won 59-7.

Burger was penalised by referee Paul Honiss — but Rugby World Cup citing rules allow for him to be punished twice for the same offence.

The four-game ban has angered White, whose initial reaction was to consider withdrawing the Boks from the tournament. White said the punishment smacked of a “smear campaign” against the Boks.

“I was so angry … my initial reaction was to withdraw the team and come home,” White told The Times. “There appears to be a bias against the Springboks because I saw much worse this weekend [in World Cup matches].”

Unless McCochran persuades the appeal board to overturn the ban, Burger will be ruled out of the World Cup until the semifinals, if the Boks progress to that stage.

Burger was the third player at this World Cup to be hit with a ban.

The others were England captain Phil Vickery, who will not contest his two-match ban for tripping US centre Phil Emerick, and Emerick himself, who was banned for five games for a spear tackle on England flyhalf Olly Barkley.

White contrasted Burger’s heavy punishment with Vickery’s light sentence.

“Phil Vickery received only a two-match ban for kicking an opponent — how is it possible that Schalk gets four weeks for contesting the ball? And [Samoan player] Brian Lima wasn’t even cited, even though he nearly took Andre Pretorius’ head off with a tackle in which he didn’t use his arms.

“ The judicial officer [Terry Willis] was an Australian and we might play Australia in the quarterfinals. What does that suggest?

“There is clearly a campaign against the Springboks.”

Burger cited for tackle in Samoa match

Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:39AM BST
By Andy Colquhoun

PARIS (Reuters) - South Africa flanker Schalk Burger was cited on Tuesday for a high tackle on Samoa scrumhalf Junior Polu in his team's World Cup Pool A 59-7 victory on Sunday.
If Burger is suspended he will miss the Springboks' pivotal group clash with defending champions England at the Stade de France on Friday evening.

South Africa manager Zola Yeye told Reuters the hearing was expected to take place on Tuesday evening with the time and venue yet to be determined.

"We will be defending Schalk as he was simply going for the ball," said Yeye.

New Zealand referee Paul Honiss penalised Burger for the tackle and spoke to him but took no further action. The citing was made by commissioner Douglas Hines.

South Africa name their team for the England match at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Lord of the tries

From: The Times.co.za
AFP Published:Sep 10, 2007

CAN’T TOUCH THIS: South Africa’s Bryan Habana celebrates scoring his fourth try during yesterday’s Rugby World Cup Group A match between South Africa and Samoa at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris Picture: DAVID DAVIES/AP

Bryan Habana scored four tries and Percy Montgomery contributed 29 points yesterday as South Africa withstood Samoa’s punishing first- half defence to win 59-7 and top Group A at the Rugby World Cup.

Montgomery collected two tries at the Parc des Princes, while centre Jaque Fourie and winger JP Pietersen also scored for the Springboks.

Outside centre Gavin Williams scored Samoa’s only try.

South Africa coach Jake White said: “I’m delighted with the win. It was always going to be a tough game against Samoa.”

The Springboks earned a bonus point to top the group with five points, one more than England after their 28-10 win over the US on Saturday.

South Africa plays England at Stade de France on Friday, and the 2003 world champions will have to improve on the uninspired performance against the Americans in Lens to win and possibly avoid a quarterfinal against Australia.

Led by locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield and flanker Schalk Burger, South Africa met the Samoan physical approach head on, dominating in the line-outs to allow the team’s backs to capitalise in the second half.

But it was Habana who broke the physical deadlock with a weaving 30m run to open his account.

Samoa had begun to tire when Habana notched his second try in the 56th, beating two defenders and just eluding winger Lome Fa’atau’s desperate lunge on the line.

Brian Lima made history in the 61st minute when he took the field for Fa’atau, becoming the only man to play in five World Cups. He made his tournament debut in 1991 against Wales at age 19.

Unfortunately, Lima had to be replaced after only four minutes after knocking himself out while attempting a big hit on reserve flyhalf Andre Pretorius.

Two minutes later, Habana bagged his hat-trick after he took a quick tap from a penalty and burst through a wall of defenders.

He then streaked away on a 45m dash in the 77th minute to score untouched.

Moments later Habana could have had another, to move even closer to former All Black Marc Ellis’s record for the most tries in a World Cup match (six v Japan in 1995), but the final pass he received was ruled forward, and Pietersen scored the last try in the 80th minute.

Tri-Nations Sport: All Blacks Overrun Tired Springboks

Lethal attacking at the death deprive the Boks of victory

South Africa led the match until the 72nd minute, so the All Black onslaught not only caught the players in green off guard, but turned the entire Kings Park Stadium silent, and left people watching televisions (in South Africa at least) gaping in astonishment.

The slaughter in the final quarter of the game exposed a South African side that had grown tired not only in the game itself, but through the many battles that preceded this vital match. The All Blacks simply looked a lot fresher, and the tactic to wait as long as possible and then attack the beleaguered Boks worked like a bomb.

This despite an opening blizzard of dominating Bok power. Flanker Schalk Burger was brilliant. The Boks started their lead with two penalties, culminating in an unconverted try from a brilliant Butch James in the last minute of the first half. The threat of All Black superstar Dan Carter was contained, but he was not on form on Saturday, had he been the All Black victory might have been more decisive.

The statistics though, at the end of the first half showed that the Boks were doing most of the energy sapping tackling, with 50 as opposed to the All Black tally of just 37.

The second half began ominously with the yellow carding of Pedrie Wannenburg. He left the field for 10 minutes, leaving the Boks outnumbered against the resurgent All Blacks. To complicate matters further, Butch James, who had had a storming game, was substituted by Frans Steyn, who now had to play flyhalf. The 20 year-old last week achieved hero status against the Wallabies, but it was a mistake to throw the youngster against the rising All Black tide. And so it seemed on these two defining moments, the match began to turn.

As Bok coach Jake White put it: “I rather believe we lost it rather than to say we were taken apart and beaten.”
Man of the match, number 8 Rodney So'oialo said: "The game is 80 minutes, and we knew if we continued running with the ball in hand we'd tire them out and holes would start appearing."
That said, the All Blacks proved they are the team to beat in the Rugby World Cup in September. The Kiwis were trailing 21-12 with less than 15 minutes left, and proved their incredible toughness and resilience once more. Captain Richie McCaw, with hard man Jerry Collins in support, scored for the first of two post 70 minute tries by overwhelming two defenders to touch down.
Soon after, All Black winger Joe Rokocoko cruised in for an easy as you please try, leaving in his wake desperate Springbok players lying on the ground, an unusual looseness on the field which the All Blacks used build momentum once more. Carter converted for the final score: 26-21. The All Blacks were unlucky not to score a third try in the final minute.

SA Coach White has sent a ‘B’ team for the Wallaby game in Australia, in order to save his tiring squad ahead of the World Cup. Meanwhile, the victorious All Blacks will need to recover from Saturday’s bruiser in time for their next energy sapping Tri-Nations clash.

Tri-Nations Rugby: South Africa beats Australia

After trailing 10-16 in a bruising first half the Springboks dug deep to overwhelm a very intelligent tactical Australian opposition 22-19.

The South African Captain, John Smit, was injured early on; he left the field in the opening sortie. Springbok Pierre Spies was yellow carded after 36 minutes and his team had to make do without his power and might for a vital 10 minutes spent in the sin bin. Australian stars George Gregan and Stephen Larkham were in top form, but both made some rare unforced errors, particularly in the second half.

The Springboks were also missing match winner Brian Habana (who has an injured knee), the Springboks put the first penalty (Montgomery) and first try (Jaques Fourie) on the scoreboard. Matt Giteau made a determined surge to score beside the posts for the Aussies. Then it came down to a series of penalities between Percy Montgomery (3)for the Boks, and Stirling Mortlock (4) for the Wallabies.

Compulsive Tackling

After plenty of intensity and tension, the Boks found themselves in the second half trailing 16-19, with only 15 minutes of match time remaining. Wave upon wave of green fell against the Australian back line, but the desperate attacks were pinned down or held back each time, despite being so deep in Aussie territory. The Australians tackled compulsively to stem the tide.

Match Winner

At this stage 20 year old ex Grey College match winner Frans Steyn came onto the field. An impact player, the big young man was on the field for only a few minutes before launching a drop goal to level the scores. With very little match time remaining tempers flared; both sides continued to thump and test one another. Then the winger, Steyn, received a deepish kick, turned on his heel and hoofed the winning drop kick.

Deserved Victory

But it was a win the home team earned. The South Africans had dominated play in the second half forcing the Aussies to defend, and making their opponents tackle at a ratio of 1:3. The Aussie tackle quota at full time exceeded 150 (while the South Africans were around 50). Australian David Campese made the comment that South Africa had been perhaps too inclined to kick away possession at vital turns of play, but the innovative Butch James couldn't be blamed when there were often few other options to choose from on the table.

Consistency

It has to be said that going into the next game (South Africa vs New Zealand) the Boks will need to raise their game even more. Consistency is crucial, and to beat the All Blacks they will need passion and character. Beyond the Tri-Nations, with their sights on the Rugby World Cup in September, the Boks will need to learn and maintain consistency with a few to developing momentum. The South Africans have now won 4 consecutive matches, but every successful team needs a strong foundation, and this means a stable management family.

In South African rugby, cricket, swimming and other sports, what undermines the performance of athletes and players is the background of squabbling officials, politics and overall pressure brought to bear directly on managers. Sprinbbok coach Jake White has had a difficult and distracting week, having recently had a scuffle with a pony newspaper journalist in a bar, aswell as the commotion involved in the on-again-off-again meeting with the President. This meeting never materialised thanks to the intervention of the South African Rugby Union (who felt White had not arranged the meeting through the proper channels).

Additional instability is created in South African sport when players are expected to accomodate protocols designed by outsiders, where officials expect the artificial insertion of players in teams to represent a preconceived racial composition. This is unsettling, and at a high level, can mean that small difference in confidence, consistency, self belief and coming through in the end to win.

In the end it was a gutsy win. Now the Boks have a week to regroup and advance along the steep gradient of their learning curve. They must learn from this game, because their opponents in the next crunching Tri-Nations encounter will be the mighty All Blacks.