News

White backs Boks

August 15 2008

Former Springbok coach Jake White has backed South Africa to come out on top in Saturday's crucial Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand at Newlands.

The World Cup-winning coach, who was also at the Springbok helm when South Africa beat New Zealand 22-16 the last time the teams met at Newlands in 2005, said experience and line-out superiority would edge the result in the home side's favour.

Percy Montgomery will win his 100th test cap as South Africa's most experienced player ever while lock Andries Bekker will get a rare chance to start alongside Victor Matfield in the second row.

White was full of praise this week for his successor, Peter de Villiers, and for Montgomery.

"Peter has selected a very strong team and the Springboks have more experience than the All Blacks," White told Super Sport.

"South Africa's skyscrapers in the line-out will be of great importance. Victor Matfield, Andries Bekker, Juan Smith and Pierre Spies will make it hard for New Zealand to win line-out ball.

"The Springboks realise their chances of winning the Tri-Nations depend on the result of this match. They would have gained much confidence from their victory in Dunedin."

White added that Montgomery is the most dedicated player he has ever coached.

"What more can I say than it is wonderful to play in 100 test matches. Six Springbok coaches selected Percy, and that says a lot," he commented.

"He is a wonderful role model and he looks after himself well. It was always great to have players such as Percy and Os du Randt. Percy's passion and loyalty to the Springbok values are very strong. He is serious about the traditions of Springbok rugby."

De Villiers has equally been full of praise for South Africa's record points scorer who is set to move his total past the 900 mark.

"What makes him so remarkable is that he is willing to share his knowledge with anyone. He does not keep anything to himself," said De Villiers.