Boks promise blitz on Wales

SPRINGBOK coach Jake White has warned Wales to prepare for a furious early onslaught on Saturday as the South Africans lay down a marker at the start of their grand slam tour.

“The first 20 minutes against Wales will be the most crucial if we are to become the first Springbok team in 43 years to pull off the grand slam,” White said just hours before the team’s departure. “That will determine how well the tour goes. We don’t want to struggle to get our phases and patterns going against Wales.”

White said his team had set themselves the target of winning the slam by beating Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland. It was last achieved by the Australians in 1984.