South Africa Coach Wants Complete Focus
South Africa coach, Peter de Villiers, has called for complete focus if his side are going to perform well in the Tri Nations.
South Africa have not always been historically strong against Australia and New Zealand and the coach says that he can see a lot of things, which he admires in the two sides his team is about to face.
South Africa will start the series as the second favourites behind New Zealand. However, there is very little difference between the Springboks and the All Blacks at this moment in time as both sides have completed some very impressive recent victories.
South Africa have many qualities as a side, which they must use to their advantage to win against bigger and stronger teams. They also have to eradicate any weaknesses from the team because these will be pounced on by their opposition.
The blend between these two qualities is often something, which will lead to success if it can be achieved. The problem with many international sides is that they have too much of one and not enough of the other.
Hunger
De Villiers has said that the hunger and passion levels of his side need to be raised. He wants the side fighting to the death in every game they play before the country tries to defend their World Championship. In order for this to happen the right mixture of youth and experience has to be achieved.
South Africa do not have to worry about the experience angle. They have a number of key players who have played in all types of different situations. These players will be able to have the calming influence over the side that de Villiers will be hoping for.
The younger players in the side are still very raw. They all have a number of key attributes, which are going to make them fantastic rugby players at the highest level but the point is that this rawness has to be shaped and disciplined into something very constructive.
Weakness
South Africa will sit down at some point before the Tri Nations and discuss every weakness of the team, this will be the most important preparation meeting before the Tri Nations.
Although you would say that there cannot be any weaknesses in a team that is winning, any little signs will be punished by Australia and New Zealand. South Africa must work hard at identifying these problems and using their coaches well to make sure they do not appear at key moments during games.
De Villiers is very much a coach that prides himself on leading a side that keeps things very tight at the back before looking to move the ball forward rapidly. This is important because it means there will be huge pressure on the South African defence. The smallest signs of weakness will mean a gap and this gap will mean a chance for the opposition to score.
Advice
If you are a keen follower of South African rugby and you fancy them to win the Tri Nations event then do not be afraid to back them to the hills because they have every part of the side needed to do well.
The problem is that they have not been really tested on the international stage for a long time and they could crumble under the pressure that the Kiwis are likely to pile on top of them. This could mean some narrow defeats so if you prefer, be a little more cautious and stick to in-play action to cut your losses and trim your winnings.
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