Boks have 'fire in the belly'
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:32
Still Bok captain: John Smit
Two of rugby's most passionate rivals, the All Blacks and Springboks launch the Tri-Nations series in Wellington on Saturday in a showdown that puts the world number one ranking on the line.
South Africa ended New Zealand's three-year reign at the top when they won the World Cup last October, where Tri-Nations rivals the All Blacks and Australia, now ranked two and three in the world, lost in the quarterfinals.
But as tough as South Africa may be, retaining 10 players from the World Cup Final in Saturday's matchday 22 against a depleted All Blacks, history is stacked against them.
The All Blacks go into this Test defending a world record run of 29 home Test victories, and they haven't lost at home to the Springboks for 10 years - statistics which rile Springboks captain John Smit.
"It certainly does put a bit of fire in the belly because it's a box that hasn't been ticked," he told a pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"There have been opportunities before this one where we've had some close games and been pipped right at the end and been heartbroken.
"It's not an easy venue to get Test victories, we certainly are aware of the challenges ahead and we've come here motivated to turn the tide."
South Africa warmed up for the Tri-Nations by disposing of Six Nations titleholders Wales as well as Italy, while the All Blacks, looking to redeem themselves after their World Cup fiasco, have beaten England and Ireland.
Both sides showed only patches of brilliance against below strength opposition, leaving considerable room for improvement now their Test season is about to begin in earnest.
AFP
