News

Bekker ready to fill the void

August 15 2008

The loss of Bakkies Botha will be felt by the Springboks against the All Blacks on Saturday, but the inclusion of Andries Bekker for the Newlands showdown could yet turn into a blessing in disguise.

The partnership of Victor Matfield and Botha is one of the most feared in world rugby and the injury to Botha has undoubtedly had an impact on the squad.

But with Bekker standing 2.08m tall and weighing 120kg, the Springboks will lose nothing in terms of stature.

Bekker's inclusion should serve to also further improve the chances that the South Africans will rely on a more structured, kicking orientated approach than the one employed against Argentina last week and also in the match against Australia in Perth three weeks ago.

At the best of times the Springboks have a good chance of winning the ball back from the formation, but with Bekker there it could well be better than 50/50.

Bekker, who enjoyed an outstanding Super 14 campaign for the Stormers, admits the absence of Botha will clearly be felt, but believes he can bring his own qualities to the side.

"We are definitely going to miss Bakkies, he's a special player," Bekker told the media from the team's hotel in Cape Town.

"I think Bakkies plays in his own way, but I will bring my own physical edge to the game.

"But I'm really happy. I'm starting against the All Blacks at Newlands, what more can I ask for."

The occasion is marked with a hint of irony, as he's not the first Bekker to face South Africa's traditional antipodean rivals.

Andries Bekker's father, lock Hennie Bekker, played two Tests for the Springboks in 1981 - both against New Zealand.

With Matfield uncertain about where his rugby career will take him after next year's series against the British and Irish Lions, Bekker would appear to be a near certainty as the number five lock at the next World Cup.

However, as with all players at the highest level, Bekker is eager to play as much as possible now, and his appetite has been whetted by the seven caps he has earned so far this season.

With Botha out for the rest of the Tri-Nations with the knee injury that forced him from the field against Argentina in Johannesburg last week, Bekker knows he can have an extended run in the number four jersey.

"I see the game as a big challenge, especially now with Bakkies out," said Bekker junior.

"If I don't step up this weekend I think I will have ruined my chances to start again, so its a big one for me."

The return of captain Richie McCaw has certainly galvanised the All Blacks and Bekker claimed that the side they will face at Newlands is very different from the one they defeated in Dunedin.

"I think they are a more well rounded side now," said Bekker.

"I think they have improved a lot since they lost to Australia, and of course Richie makes a huge difference."

Bekker echoed the views of his opponent Brad Thorn, when he claimed that fitness has become an important element of the game under the ELVs.

"I think fitness is starting to play a big role now under the new laws, especially with the quick taps we run more and especially for the locks, we have to tackle more," said Bekker.

"I'm quite happy with my fitness. We've done a lot of fitness work during the last week."

The All Blacks have been full of praise for big lock this week, with Thorn describing him as an "absolute monster", but Bekker is not getting carried away by all the talk.

"I think getting praise from guys of that calibre is a good thing, but I don't take it too seriously because if I play poorly on the weekend then it all means nothing."

The winner of Saturday's Test will become outright favourites to clinch the Tri-Nations trophy. South Africa are bottom of the table with five points, but play all three remaining matches at home with the Wallabies next up in Durban and Johannesburg.

New Zealand, with nine points, fly back to the Antipodes next week with a two-week break to prepare for their final game against Australia in Brisbane.

By Dave Morris in Cape Town