Rugby Update: Springboks are definite semi-finalist of the upcoming world cup- Nick Mallett
Despite the recent controversies and poor performance, former Springboks’ coach Nick Mallett still believes that Springboks is a definite contender for the next year’s world cup semi-finals and team is not as bad as most of the people think about it.
The Springboks’ whole management especially their head coach Peter de Villiers have been facing huge amount of criticism since they lost their first game of the season in the opening match of Tri Nations early this year.
Mallett, who is great supporter of Southern Hampshire’s teams, was talking to Sport 24 and said that he knows the last few months were not good for South African rugby but he is still sure that Springboks will be the one of the semi-finalist and All Blacks
and Wallabies will also make their way to the semi-finals.
When he was asked about 4th semi-finalist, he replied, it will be battle between England and France for the 4th semi-finalist, although France’s recent form is very poor but they have the ability to beat any team of the world on their
day.
"I think the three Southern Hemisphere sides will definitely make the semi-finals. It should be between England and France for the other spot. New Zealand have home advantage and are the form team, while Australia are the most improved side this year.
England has stepped forward in spite of the beating they took from South Africa.”
He further explained his prediction and said that this is based on International Rugby Board’s ratings. France and All Blacks are 2 big teams of Group A, while Group B is consists of two stronger teams England, Scotland and a bit weaker team Argentina. Group
C has Australia and Ireland in it, while Springboks and Wales are part of Group D.
If teams perform according to their rankings, then the quarterfinals will be between Wales vs. Wallabies, France vs. England, Ireland vs. Springboks and New Zealand vs. Scotland.
The one semi-final will be between Springboks and All Blacks, while other one will be between Wallabies and France/England and Mallett is pretty sure that his prediction will go correct.
Mallett also talked about Springboks’ unofficial match against Barbarians, where he will be coaching to Barbarians, and said he thinks, they will play with same game plan, which they followed in the match against England last week and beat them. Although
that game plan is very effective but he recommends them to come up with different plan, so they could have variety in their game plans.
He further said his task to beat Springboks has been made quite easier by Springboks’ team management by doing 12 changes in the team, which beat England last weekend. They sent most of their players back to South Africa to give them rest.
On the other hand, Barbarians team has many talented players from Australia and New Zealand, which makes them a strong team.
"Ma'a Nonu and Joe Rokocoko are the All Blacks in the backline and both are excellent ball-carriers. However, everything depends on whether we can give them quality possession. It's important for our forwards to do well at set-piece. Our backs should
then get us on the front foot and we will use the forwards after that. That is the approach these players are comfortable with."
No doubt that Springboks will not play with their key players but still they have many young players, who can give tough time to Barbarians and no doubt a thrilling match is waiting for rugby fans.
Barbarians vs. South Africa, 14:30
Saturday, 04 December 2010
At Twickenham stadium, London
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