Rugby Update: All Blacks expecting tough competition from Springboks
All Blacks, who have been on a roll recently, expect tough competition from South Africa, when two sides meet for Tri-Nations fixture. All Blacks will face Springboks in Soweto on August 21. All Blacks comes to this match after winning all of its previous fixtures, whereas Springboks have received defeats at the hands of both Wallabies and All Blacks.
All Blacks are currently in phenomenal form, as they have scored one victory after another. They come to South Africa in wake of their successive 9 wins over their arch-rivals Australia. They have also successfully managed to retain Bledisloe Cup. As far as Tri-Nations are concerned, All Blacks require just a point from the game at FNB stadium to regain the Tri-Nations title. Despite having scored four successive victories over Springboks and Wallabies in Tri-Nations, All-Blacks expect tough performance from John Smit’s men on home turf.
These views were echoed by New Zealand's Keven Mealamu, as he refused to get tangled in the hype surrounding August 21 fixture. According to Keven Mealamu, South Africa is a tough opponent and to beat them on their home is extremely difficult. Despite their poor run of form, Springboks can never be underestimated on their home soil. Mealamu believes that only hard work and well sorted-out strategy will enable them to come out victorious at FNB stadium. After their last defeat against Wallabies, South Africa had plenty of time to re-evaluate their strategy and game plan which was efficiently used by their team management.
Their coach has employed the services of defence coach to curtail their back problem. Springboks’ defence turned out to be their Achilles’ heel, as it was exploited by opponents and turned out to be main factor behind their defeat.
This game will be 100th Test for Smit’s distinguished career. Keven Mealamu is excited to be part of such historic happening. Commenting on it, he said, “It's going to be a huge occasion for John to play his 100th Test and I'm pretty stoked to be part of it. It means there will be a lot more passion and meaning in the game. You have to be happy to hear such nice words from someone like John; he's one of the most formidable opponents I've had, a true leader of men.”
Keven Mealamu has also brushed aside the significance of altitude in the match. Mealamu agrees to the fact that altitude affects players’ stamina but with right training, this factor could easily be overcome. Mealamu believes that All Blacks strength lies in their quick and fast game and they will only be successful against their African counterparts if they are able to set the pace of the game. He said, “With altitude, the lungs get heavy but you just have to think its 80 minutes and you have to work hard for as long as it takes. We've definitely tried to play quicker in this year's Tri-Nations. Teams have been good enough to execute, advantage is being played out and we want to keep the ball in play for longer.”
On the other hand, Wallabies’ Tri-Nations and World Cup chances received a much-needed boost as Dan Vickerman decides to return to international rugby scene. Dan Vickerman represented Australia in 54 matches including two World Cups before deciding to quit international rugby. He left Australia in 2008 to study and play at Cambridge University in England. Vickerman’s return will provide much needed strength to Australian squad. Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans has welcomed Dan Vickerman’s return. Commenting on Vickerman’s return, Dean said, “Dan will have to earn his place, as any player does, but his return to Australia is great news for the game and potentially the Wallabies. Regaining a player of his wide ranging experience can only have benefits, especially given that he plays in a position where our depth has been tested in recent times.”
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