News

De Villiers taking Pumas seriously

July 31 2008

When South Africa take on Argentina next weekend, in a game that marks Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, they will do so with the final three Tri-Nations games in mind.

To that effect Head Coach Peter de Villiers will not be taking the game lightly, especially given that South Africa will face a stern challenge if they are to prevail as Tri-Nations champions.

"We know them, they are going to ask a lot of questions, so we will not underestimate them," De Villiers said of Argentina at a press conference on Thursday.

"This will be good practice for us at Test level. This is still an international. Although everyone in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand is focusing on the Tri-Nations, this is a great opportunity for us to prepare for the Tri-Nations home leg at Test level."

Whatever is said before hand there is no escaping the fact that South Africa, as a nation, expects a win on home soil - although De Villiers was quick to remind the public that it will not be as straight forward as they may expect.

"It won't be easy. Home ground advantage does not win games, we still have to do the hard work. But we have what it takes to do well," he said.

De Villiers also hit back at Lions coach Eugene Eloff, who earlier this week criticised Jaque Fourie's call-up to the national squad, saying he was not yet fit enough to be playing rugby at that intensity.

"He (Fourie) belongs here, this is where he does his best," said De Villiers, adding that the Springbok management were in continuous contact with Fourie during their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

"We were in contact with Jaque every week, and we asked why he didn't play last week and he said it was a precautionary measure."

With Peter Grant and Ryan Kankowski ruled out of the squad De Villiers was expected to name at least one replacement player, although it turns out he will not name any replacements for the inured duo.

"We have enough depth in the squad to fill those positions," he said.

"All the players in the squad will be considered for the Argentina Test.

"But on Sunday we will cut the squad down to 24 players. It will then be reduced to 22.

"It makes it easier for us to have a group of 22, particularly since the longest flight to call up a replacement would be two hours."