Coach backs Boks changes

Springboks coach hits out at British media after Burger saga

Last updated: 2nd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Coach backs Boks changes

De Villiers: Stil confident

We had negative media from Britain in 1974 and 1980 and now I've allowed it again in 2009. I've learnt that if they can't win on the field then they will try to win anywhere else they can.

Peter de Villiers
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South Africa coach Peter de Villiers insists his much-changed Springbok line-up are good enough to seal a Test series whitewash over the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

With the series secured thanks to a pulsating 28-25 victory last week, the two sides clash for the final time in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The tourists are desperate to end on a high while the Springboks crave a 3-0 series whitewash, but both sides will contain a lot of changes for the Ellis Park clash.

Injuries and suspensions have led de Villiers to make ten changes to his starting XV for Saturday, but he believes his side still have enough firepower to beat the Lions.

"We believe the guys selected are as good as the others and that they can go out and do an outstanding job for the Springboks," he said. "They will also bring fresh energy to the team after two tough Tests.

Respect

"We respect the British and Irish Lions so much, and we want to give everybody a run against them.

"If they miss out on this opportunity, then they might not play against them again in their lifetime."

De Villiers also hit out at the British media in light of his highly controversial comments following Schalk Burger's suspension for eye gouging - saying that he was lured into making the comments.

"A lot was said this week, I think too much," he added. "The off-the-field stuff sometimes gives you more sleepless nights than the on-field stuff.

"We had negative media from Britain in 1974 and 1980 and now I've allowed it again in 2009. I've learnt that if they can't win on the field then they will try to win anywhere else they can."

Squad Strength

De Villiers is fully satisfied that his squad contains enough strength in depth to make all the changes and still field a world-class outfit.

"The Lions will have their hands full playing against the back-line we have chosen.

"I get goose bumps when I think about that back three and with a finisher like Jongi Nokwe, if you blink you won't see him.

"If Jaque Fourie and Wynand Olivier can make the space, then they will know his number. If you look at the side, and take it player by player, who would have to ask 'Where did we weaken the side?'

"So I'm happy and settled with the team I have I picked. If we can get up good first-phase ball, it saves some energy if you can score quick tries and you don't have to wrestle with the guys to set up a try.

"This is a very strong side. At the end of the Super 14 I wanted to have 28 players who could play for the Springboks at any time and I think we've achieved that goal.

"I'm very happy with this selection."