July 2001 Sport News Headlines

Friday, July 20, 2001 - Web posted at 15:53:24 GMT

Springboks aim to level with All Blacks

CAPE TOWN - The ongoing Springbok-All Black saga moves on to Chapter 57 when the two teams meet in the Tri-Nations opener in Cape Town tomorrow.

The two teams with arguably the proudest histories in world rugby meet for the 57th time and, based on past results, the competition is as fierce as ever.

The All Blacks have won 27 times, the Boks 26, with three matches ending in a draw.

The Springbok build-up has been less than ideal, with performances on the pitch taking a backseat to the perennial boardroom squabbles.

A loss to France in the first test, followed by two inept victories over the Les Blues and the Italians led to the inevitable drama played out in the media and in the Springbok quarters.

The sacking of Bok captain Andre Vos was followed by the axing of Rassie Erasmus, and in turn these actions led to the resignation of forwards coach Andre Markgraaff.

And more recently the media has been awash with reports that Viljoen and company had come under pressure from the government, in the form of Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour, for not selecting Deon Kayser in the starting line-up.

But the Ministry claimed that Balfour's words were twisted by the media and that all was well between government and the South African Rugby Football Union.

New captain Bob Skinstad has all the makings of a dream skipper from a public relations point of view, but it is his performance on the park that will be scrutinised.

His form has been nowhere near the peak of his powers some three years ago but a leadership role may just spark the creative juices.

Debutante centre Marius Joubert may be one of the most promising players to turn out for the Boks but his opposition on Saturday - Pita Alatini and Tana Umaga - are seasoned internationals with huge reputations.

Joubert has yet to meet them on the battlefield, not having played any Super 12 yet and he could be in for a rude awakening.

The same goes for hooker Lukas van Biljon, who has played understudy to provincial team-mate John Smit all season.

Van Biljon comes face to face with Anton Oliver.

Viljoen called Oliver a "tower of strength" and Van Biljon will definitely be tested early on in typical belligerent All Black fashion.

- Nampa-Sapa

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