Boks ready to rumble again

SOUTH AFRICA have warned they are ready to get even more physical as they attempt to break their Tri-Nations losing streak in the ‘House of Pain’ against New Zealand in Carisbrook tomorrow.

The Springboks, whose strong-arm tactics against Australia last Saturday saw them branded “a disgrace” by Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, believe they need to be even more aggressive to have a chance in Carisbrook, where they have never won. Two players, forwards Robbie Kempson and Bakkies Botha, were banned for foul play after the 29-9 defeat in Brisbane.

But wing Stefan Terblanche dismissed suggestions South Africa are a dirty team and said the Springboks would be a far tougher proposition at Carisbrook as they attempt to avenge their 52-16 humiliation in Pretoria.

“We can be much more physical, especially in the forwards,” Terblanche said, describing the Australia Test as “one of the least physical I’ve been involved in”.

“We are physical but we don’t eye gouge and bite, that’s not part of our team.

“We have to lift our game. New Zealand just outplayed us in Pretoria, we have to work harder on defence, be more physical and take the ball up as hard as we can.

“That’s part and parcel of the Springbok team to be hard and physical but legal,” added Terblanche, noting that the All Blacks would be treated with respect.

“They’re playing very well, they’re a very good side. But a wounded Springbok is a dangerous thing. We’ll be up for it and we’ll have a lot to prove.”

Traditionally, when under threat, South Africa has fallen back on its defence to create pressure but with the seventh mid-field combination in seven Tests on trial in this game, and five changes overall, there can be no guarantees that the defence will be strengthened.

Inside-centre Gcobani Bobo has replaced hard-tackling De Wet Barry to partner his Gauteng Cats midfield partner Jorrie Muller.

“De Wet has been one of our best performers in the Tri Nations,” coach Rudolf Straueli said.

“He has really put his body on the line in the past few weeks.

“Bobo has trained well and waited patiently. He deserves game time.

Jorrie [Muller] and Bobo have also played together for most of the Super 12 so the adjustment has not been dramatic.”

The pair can expect a torrid time from the unchanged All Black backline who have clicked remarkably in their last two matches, largely as the result of the recovery of inside-centre Aaron Mauger from injury.

Mauger’s solidity has freed up outside-centre Tana Umaga while also allowing a more substantial influence to be spread through games by fly-half Carlos Spencer.

Two other changes have been made in the South African backline with the injured Andre Pretorius replaced at full-back. It had been tipped that he might move to fly-half, but any thoughts of that were eliminated with his injury.

And half-back Joost van der Westhuizen has been named to play his 85th match.

Just what chances the South African backs have to confront the New Zealanders will depend, as always, on the battle among the forwards.

South Africa have been forced to make two changes due to suspensions handed down to Kempson and Botha. Their places will be taken by Lawrence Sephaka and Geo Conje at prop and lock respectively.

And by replacing four of his front five, All Black coach John Mitchell has given his choices a demanding schedule, even against a newer looking South African pack.

But all, apart from lock Brad Thorn, the rugby league convert, are experienced players who suggest a powerful scrummaging unit.

Thorn is shaping as one of the strongest drivers the All Blacks have possessed for some time while his locking partner Ali Williams is under pressure to play a more dominant role for the side.