Zeena Isaacs
6 July 2009
Johannesburg — AFTER experiencing the brutality of the powerful Springbok front- row first hand and the psychological blow of suffering a series defeat against the Springboks, British and Irish Lions and English prop Phil Vickery believes the Boks have what it takes to win the Tri-Nations.
The Springboks face New Zealand in their opening clash in Bloemfontein on July 25 and their Lions series victory will undoubtedly boost their hopes of winning their first title since 2004.
To Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' delight, the series not only prepared his team for the mental demands associated with facing two of the best teams in world rugby, but it also provided some clarity on his team selection.
"I think they have more than a good shot at winning the Tri- Nations," Vickery said after his team's 28-9 win against the Springboks at Ellis Park. "I think they'll do a fantastic job. I have no doubt or hesitations at all."
He said the wealth of talented players and quality of rugby displayed by the Springboks in the three Tests proved what a quality side they were . " The Bok team as a whole is fantastic," he said. "They have so much depth and talent, which is fantastic for the game. They are the world champions, they won a Test series against the Lions and they have a Tri-Nations coming up, so rugby here is on an upward curve.
"I always said you have only played a Test when you face SA or France. The last three games have been hard and physical and we hope we prepared them to go away and win the Tri-Nations."
Springbok prop and skipper John Smit was also optimistic about their chances , but admitted it would take a huge effort.
"With the team we have it would be naive to think that we shouldn't aim to win the Tri- Nations," said the inspirational captain. "We have 10 days to freshen up and get away and then we will come together for a colossal Tri- Nations with three games apiece."
He said the defeat in the final Test against the Lions showed there were still lessons to be learnt, "so when we get together again we will keep our feet grounded and keep working".
While the series victory against the Lions would boost their confidence, they were under no illusions about the challenge ahead, especially after their dismal campaign last season.
Then SA won only two of their six games , with the unforgettable 19-0 defeat against New Zealand at Newlands their lowest point.
The victories, however, were sweet, especially the 30-28 victory against New Zealand in Dunedin in which scrumhalf Ricky Januarie retrieved a stunning chip to score the match-winning try and register SA's first win in Dunedin.
"We were confident last year, but we let ourselves down," said Smit. "The aim this year will be not to repeat that process."
With a physically demanding tour behind them, which required the team to dig deep in all three games, De Villiers will have some peace of mind knowing that his team will be up for the challenge mentally and physically.
Having given all his players a run against the Lions, he will also have a clearer idea of which players he can bank on when the chips are down in the Tri-Nations.
Replacement flyhalf Morné Steyn will definitely be one of them after slotting over the stunning penalty in the second Test at full time to secure the series for the Springboks. "How would you know what you have if you don't take such chances (giving the back-up players a run?)" he asked.
"We have a very important Tri- Nations ahead in two weeks, so I think we did the right thing. We know now what we have to do to go forward into the Tri-Nations series," De Villiers said.
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