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 Spirit of '95 Springboks say they will thrive in semifinal cauldron
Posted: Friday October 29, 1999 04:41 PM
TWICKENHAM, England (AP) -- Evoking the spirit of the Springboks' 1995 World Cup success, captain Joost van der Westhuizen says his players have a chance to further unite their country by retaining the title. "Sport has done more for South Africa than any politician," Van der Westhuizen said on the eve of Saturday's finely balanced semifinal clash against Australia at Twickenham. "We took over from where Nelson Mandela left off and we still feel that sense of responsibility. There are 43 million people back home willing us on and we are the 15 guys who are privileged to carry their hopes." After substandard performances in the group stages, South Africa burst into life in the quarterfinals, beating England 44-21 in a game won almost single-handedly by flyhalf Jannie de Beer, who scored a world record five drop goals. Van der Westhuizen admitted it was difficult for the Springboks to raise their game against minnows like Spain and Uruguay, but they've taken heart from the England game and are confident about making the final. "What people have to remember is that we didn't come here to beat Spain or Uruguay. We came here to win the World Cup. I don't care how we achieve it, that is the only aim," the scrumhalf said. "We used to say the only happy Springbok supporter was one whose side was winning," he added. "Now we know they have to win well." With the All Blacks expected to beat France in the other semifinal, Saturday's encounter is by far the closer of the two. Van der Westhuizen says his players will thrive on the cauldron-like atmosphere of a sellout gate at Twickenham. "Springboks thrive on pressure," he said. "It is what we crave, so when the crunch comes late in the game I am confident we will be the ones who rise." Australia is second favorite -- behind the All Blacks -- to win the World Cup, and will be South Africa's biggest test so far. The last time the two nations met, South Africa edged it 10-9 in the Tri-Nations series. Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen says his team can afford no mistakes on Saturday. "We have to take control and keep South Africa out of our half. Our tactical game has to be spot-on, as does our kicking game, and we cannot afford to miss any tackles," he said. "We are always asked before these big matches what will be the difference between the teams, and it all comes down to who controls the ball better, who gets possession from scrums and lineouts, and who achieves the best field positions." But Macqueen says he believes his attacking players can turn the game in Australia's favor. "We have the backs who can control a game, and we need to take advantage every time we get into South African territory," he said. Australia suffered a blow Friday when center Tim Horan missed training after suffering vomiting spells. Horan, a member of the 1991 Cup winning team, got a stomach virus overnight but is expected to play. Wallaby Skipper John Eales says he can detect a similar mood in the camp to the one prevalent in '91 when the Wallabies beat New Zealand in the semifinals and then England in the final. And he doesn't see South Africa's de Beer dominating the game as he did against England. "Five drop goals in one match is quite [a] freakish occurrence and it will be very difficult for him to achieve that feat again," he said. "We would like to think that if the situation arises again, then we will be able to defend against it better." South Africa's team manager, Arthob Peterson, also believes de Beer's performance was a one-off, and says his team's preparations for Saturday have been very different compared with those for the England match. "We have had to adapt to a new game plan," he said. "We know the Australians will come charging at us from the start. We really have our work cut out for this one to go in our favor."
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