Durban - It is all or nothing for South Africa in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban.
While a (belated) win for the Springboks will please most fans, the team realise that nothing less than a four-try win will keep them in the run for the title - and they're convinced that is achievable.
The Wallabies are certain that the Boks will persevere with their new expansive playing style. They could find that this does not imply running with every ball from the outset.
It seems that the senior players - who according to reports have been criticised by coach Peter de Villiers this week for not doing their bit - have seemingly decided that they will interpret the expansive game in a more conservative way. "It does not mean running every ball," is how centre Jean de Villiers explained it. They will start doing that after 40-60 minutes, he explained, after the hard work has been done.
Counting against the Wallabies is the fact they have not won in eight matches in South Africa since 2000. They believe they can change that statistic, but it could come down to more than just talk.
Overall, the Boks could and should win this Test. But the Robbie Deans factor, and the youngsters blended with some of the world's best will certainly pose a problem.
Ultimately it will be about keeping structure for the Boks, making and taking the right decisions and using their opportunities.
Otherwise it will be a hat-trick in Tri-Nations defeats and bye-bye to the 2008 Tri-Nations title.
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Tri_Nations/0,,2-9-2185_2380801,00.html
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