Du Plessis impressed by Springboks

FORMER coach Carel du Plessis has hailed South Africa’s series victory over the British and Irish Lions, in which he claims the Springboks did not hit top gear.

The world champions wrapped up the win two weeks ago when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead, following up the 26-21 triumph in Durban with the dramatic 28-25 victory in Pretoria.

“Winning the Lions series was a massive feat for the Springboks,” he told the Business Day. “It was a fantastic win and it was good for our rugby. That said, it is debatable whether the Springboks played their best rugby.

“I think people would have loved to see them register a whitewash, but it was still a great series. It was very intense and physical and it tested our defensive systems and support play.” The 49-year-old, who was at the helm in 1997 when South Africa were beaten 2-1, also felt the Lions could have been much better if they had played more games together.

He continued: “They did well, they played quality rugby. In the last Test, particularly, they converted their opportunities into points at crucial times.

“I think if the tour was longer they would have performed even better because they would have had sufficient time to develop star combinations.

“In the first two Tests the breakdowns were a mixed bag. But their defensive system was effective, which put pressure on us at times.”

Du Plessis, though, insists that the upcoming Tri-Nations against familiar foes Australia and New Zealand could be a much tougher proposition for the Springboks, who would need to work on some areas of their game in order to have a chance of a first win in five years.

“We have a good chance to win the competition. Obviously the result last weekend was not ideal going into the series. But the Tri-Nations will be an even bigger challenge. Australia and New Zealand have established combinations and are organised outfits, so will be tough to beat.”

Meanwhile, Danny Cipriani has lost his place in England’s 32-man elite player squad to fit-again Jonny Wilkinson.

Cipriani started last season as England’s first choice fly-half yet finished it as a substitute for the Saxons at the Churchill Cup. The 21-year-old must settle for a place in the Saxons squad.