Seeking revenge

Nick Mallett: Let's not give it back too easily

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Friday October 22, 1999 06:56 PM

The Springboks won't lack motivation in Sunday's rematch with England. AP

PARIS (AP) -- The last time they met, England wrecked South Africa's bid to set a world record of 18 consecutive victories. This time, the Springboks' grip on the World Cup is at stake ---- and they're out for revenge.

"We worked so damn hard to win it, let's not give it back too easily," was Springbok coach Nick Mallett's rallying cry to his players in the runup to Sunday's showdown at the Stade de France.

"I think the players will take a lot of motivation from Twickenham last year -- they were disappointed not to break the record and didn't play as well as they could."

South Africa has never lost a World Cup match, but knows it must raise its game to beat an England side which, although battered and bruised, has been scoring tries at will so far in the tournament.

In contrast, South Africa only showed fitful glimpses of its potential in the group qualifiers, despite playing two of them against minnows Spain and Uruguay.

Mallett's team has committed an alarming amount of ball handling errors so far, and the coach has called for a "20 percent improvement" against England.

He says the showdown has come too early.

"This game ought to be a semifinal, if not a final," he said. "It is a tough match for both teams and it will be unfair on either side to go out of the tournament on Sunday."

He has made just one enforced change to his lineup, bringing in the experienced Pieter Muller for Brendan Venter, who has received a 21-day ban for stamping on Uruguayan flanker Martin Panizza in the group stages.

Understudy Jannie de Beer, who has scored 42 of South Africa's 132 points in the tournament, again starts as flyhalf. But fit-again Henry Honiball, who hasn't played a test since England beat South Africa last December at Twickenham, is on the bench.

Mallett says he expects a slippery field on Sunday, which he says will suit De Beer.

"The game will be forward-dominated. And in this regard Jannie is going to be a major role-player in our game plan," he said. "He is one of the best out-of-hand and place-kickers. As a flyhalf, he is also very adept at taking the gap."

Whether Honiball comes on during the game's latter stages as an impact player could be crucial. And the same can be said for England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who has been relegated to the bench.

England coach Clive Woodward preferred Paul Grayson to Wilkinson for the No. 10 jersey, a choice that he had said would be a tough one.

Grayson set a new England record of 36 points in the group match against Tonga and is more experienced than his younger Newcastle rival, who missed some vital kicks in the defeat against the All Blacks.

But Wilkinson kicked 32 points against Italy and 23 against Fiji before being taken off after a collision with Fiji skipper Greg Smith.

There are four other changes to the side that beat Fiji: Center Phil de Glanville replaces Mike Catt in the other midfield alteration, Danny Grewcock comes in for Garath Archer, Richard Hill takes over from Joe Worsley at flanker, and Matt Dawson takes over from Austin Healey at scrumhalf.

Wing Dan Luger and fullback Matt Perry, who also picked up knocks against Fiji, were declared fit.

"The players are very focused and looking forward to what will be a huge game," Woodward said.

He said his players must stamp out the defensive errors which led to Fiji crossing their line three times, but is confident of progressing to the last four.

"The belief is there," he said. "We just have to defend well."

England

South Africa

 

Related information
Stories
South Africa Team Roster Wilkinson, Honiball benched for quarterfinal Flank forward stars the dangermen in Paris South Africa out for revenge against England England center announces retirement England Team Roster
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.