James: Hernandez is the best player in the world

JUAN Martin Hernandez has been labelled “the best player in the world” by his opposite number as they prepare for Sunday’s semi-final between Argentina and South Africa.

Pumas fly-half Hernandez has played a major role in guiding Argentina through a memorable World Cup campaign that includes victories over France and Ireland.

He promises to be the key man again when they target victory over South Africa at Stade de France.

Stade Francais star Hernandez’s influence on the Pumas helped them top Pool D, and the quality of his performances have not been missed by Springboks fly-half Butch James.

James said: “I think he is the best player in the world at the moment. I am not so sure if fly-half is his position, but he is by far the best rugby player in terms of skills and everything that goes with it. He’s got everything.”

James is nonetheless backing the Springboks’ renowned defensive organisation to shackle Hernandez, adding: “I don’t think it will be too hard.

“I’ve got the incredible Schalk Burger on my inside – so he should be helping me a bit – and Francois Steyn outside – so I’m not too worried about him.We will be able to handle him.”

South Africa were given a quarter-final fright by Fiji in Marseille last Sunday. The Fijians clawed their way back from 14 points adrift, drawing level at 20-20 before South Africa turned the screw up front and scored 17 unanswered points to stay on track for a first world title since 1995. James does not believe there will be much deviation from that traditional Springboks game on Sunday.

He added: “We haven’t played much high-risk rugby while we have been here, so I don’t think you will see it from us. We will be sticking to the way that we play. As long as we win, I don’t care what the spectators think.

“I don’t think we played well against Fiji, even in that last 20 minutes – so I think we have to start well during the first 20 minutes and then keep the throttle on.

“You don’t really need the perfect game, but it would be handy for it to come in a semi-final.”

The battle between both packs – two of the tournament’s strongest units – will undoubtedly decide a contest that sees South Africa and Argentina putting unbeaten 2007 World Cup records on the line.

Springboks lock Victor Matfield said: “Argentina have lots of forward power and a lot of momentum. They’ve also got a good kicking game, so we know what’s coming.

“We have to make sure they don’t get too much ball, and it’s about using our ball effectively.

“There is just as much pressure on them (Argentina). It is a great opportunity for them to win the World Cup, so there is pressure on both them and us.

“We still have two games to win – and whether Australia or New Zealand were there or not, it would be the same.”