All Black legend backs Bok defence
Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:00
South Africa, who have won two World Cup titles with their famous defensive lines, received a pat on the back from All Black legend Grant Fox after their historic 30-28 Tri-Nations win over New Zealand in Dunedin at the weekend.
It was the Springboks' first ever win at Carisbrook and the first time in decade they have won on New Zealand soil.
Fox, writing in his Sunday Star Times column, said the Boks still have the best defence in the world.
"The Springboks have breathed new life into the Tri-Nations and confirmed our great rivalry [between an All Blacks and Springboks] is as strong as ever," Fox said in his column.
"Their first ever win at Carisbrook was a triumph of perseverance, commitment and the never-say-die attitude we've come to expect from our Bok opponents," added the flyhalf, a record international points scorer in the 1980s and early 1990s.
"There will be the inevitable carping about the All Blacks' performance, but I hope we do not over-do it and disrespect the outstanding grit shown by the visitors.
"Their much-criticised coach Peter de Villiers will take confidence from that statistic as he has said openly that he wants the Boks to play a more expansive game.
"Given South Africa scored four tries to two over the two Test matches, the Boks cannot be begrudged their two-point victory.
"They also reinforced they have the best cover defence in world rugby.
"Despite the line-breaks made by the All Blacks, we often didn't look like scoring.
"Our solitary try was well taken but we didn't make the most of our chances, notably the one early in the second half. Concerns for the All Blacks with Australia looming was the defence around the ruck and close to the fringes.
"Ricky Januarie's superb match-sealing try was an example of the flimsy defence in that area that will concern the All Black coaches.
"Let's also not forget the Boks won with their skipper Victor Matfield in the sin-bin for 10 minutes.
"It was a performance of sterling character which will make the Tri-Nations intriguing from here.
"The title is wide open and up for grabs now."
