Boks declare 'war on the Wallabies'
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:26
South African coach Peter De Villiers declared war on the Wallabies in Perth on Friday, ahead of their crucial Tri-Nations Test at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
As storms lashed Perth during the final training sessions, De Villiers said the World Cup champions had great respect for the home side despite the Wallabies being outsiders in the three-team series.
The Springboks go into Saturday's match with supreme confidence after their historic 30-28 win over the All Blacks in Dunedin last weekend.
But De Villiers said Australia would be out to make a statement of their own in their first Tri-Nations encounter under new coach Robbie Deans.
"We respect them, we know that they are going to be very tough because they've got a point to prove, too," De Villiers said.
"Everybody focuses on New Zealand falling out of the World Cup, but Australia did too, and I think they've also got a point to prove.
"They've brought a great coach in, brilliant players. I mean if you play without Daniel Vickerman in the locks then the other locks must be great to be there.
"So we will be aware of the threats they can pose to us but, then again, it's war and you die."
Asked how the new rules, known as Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), might affect the game, De Villiers said his side would consider exploiting them if it gave them a benefit.
Under the ELVs, approved by the International Rugby Board (IRB) in May, the scrumhalf cannot be touched at the breakdown unless he has his hands on the ball.
Other changes include reducing the number of penalty kicks, and alterations to the maul, line-out, kicking from inside the 22-metre line and scoring in relation to the corner posts.
They are designed to help promote ball in play and attractive free-flowing rugby.
During their two Tests against New Zealand, the Springboks physically targeted champion flyhalf Dan Carter and are expected to adopt a similar approach to Wallabies flyhalf Matt Giteau.
The Western Force playmaker said he expected some heavy treatment and was prepared for it.
"It comes with the territory as a flyhalf, they are the players you try to get to the most," Giteau said. "They control a lot of what the team is trying to do. There are no fears at all, it comes with the game."
South Africa signalled their intentions by naming five forwards in their reserves and Australian captain Stirling Mortlock expects his front row to be fully tested, especially in what are expected to be heavy conditions.
"I have got no doubt they are going to try to take us on up front," he said.
"If the weather conditions continue, I think it will play into their hands."
However, De Villiers said his side would prefer dry conditions to enable them to play a more expansive style of game.
AFP
