De Villiers’ glass half full as Boks touch down for Irish clash

SOUTH AFRICA coach Peter de Villiers touches down in Dublin with the injury-hit Springboks at lunchtime today, impressed with his players’ preparatory work and attitude shown ahead of Saturday’s Test against Ireland.

The world champions are scheduled to arrive in the Irish capital just 53 hours before kick-off at the Aviva Stadium after leaving their at-altitude training base on the high veldt close to Johannesburg last night.

With 13 players ruled out through injury and a number of walking wounded, de Villiers has delayed from naming his starting XV and matchday squad from the 30 players that made it onto the plane until this afternoon but the under-pressure coach was in upbeat mood as his squad began their journey to the northern hemisphere.

“We have had our challenges with the number of injuries, particularly among the centres, but that’s not unusual in international rugby,” de Villiers said. “The players have worked really hard and shown a great attitude in training and we now have to take that onto the field at the Aviva Stadium. But I’m satisfied with what we have achieved.”

Trying to avert a fourth successive defeat to Ireland in Dublin and also banish memories of just one win from six starts in this summer’s Tri-Nations, de Villiers reminded his players of the challenges ahead as South Africa embark on a five-match Grand Slam tour that will see them also take on Wales, Scotland, England and the Barbarians.

“Ireland have a good record against us in Dublin in recent years and will be waiting for us on Saturday, It’s a huge occasion for them, as they open their new stadium, and they’re going to throw everything at us. Nothing less than our best will be good enough.”

Of the squad members carrying knocks, centre Jean de Villiers (groin) and flanker Willem Alberts (calf) took no part in training yesterday but have not been ruled out of contention, while hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle has recovered from influenza and took a full part in training for a second day.

Fly-half Frans Steyn has not been released by French side Racing Metro for the Irish Test and will only join the squad after this weekend’s round of Top 14 matches.

“Four Tests on four Saturdays in unfamiliar conditions is as tough a challenge as the Tri-Nations in its own way, but the squad is excited,” de Villiers said. “We’ve got some senior players who have come back hungry to play and a number of new caps who also bring their enthusiasm.”