South African Rugby

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Jake wants to stay as coach

Jake White wants a second term as the Springbok coach, but he arrived in Paris knowing the South African Rugby Union are not thathappy with him and not towing the line.


Only a Springbok World Cup win will influence an administrative mindset that currently believes the Boks need a change of leadership next year.


White who does not have the support of the provincial presidents spoke to the Cape Argus in an interview that he was committed to remaining in South African rugby and that first prize was to continue with the Springboks.


He said that if there was no incentive to stay in South Africa, he would have to look abroad.


"I have a contract until the end of the year and I will see out that contract, which includes Tests against Wales in November.""I would have liked some kind of commitment with regards to 2008 before leaving for the World Cup, and I am disappointed that no progress was made on what my possible role could be after the World Cup," White said."I am grateful for the support I've had in recent months and everyone has pulled in the direction of the Boks to ensure we are in good shape for the World Cup.


SA Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones told the Cape Argus recently ."We will advertise internationally for the Springbok coaching position by the end of September and Jake has been encouraged to apply.


Nice to see the admin chaps are supporting white allowing him to focus just on the world cup and not his exit plan for after the world cup, drive me nuts.

First game of the world cup 2007

John Smit returns at hooker to captain South Africa almost three months after he injured his hamstring back in June. Apart from the return to fitness of Smit and centre Jean de Villiers, the team has no real surprises. On the wing Pietersen edges the talented Frans Steyn, who finds a spot as impact player on the replacement bench, and an out of sorts Ashwin Willemse.

South Africa's overall record against Samoa: Played 5; Won 5; Points for 257 and points against 58. An average score of 51-12.

Commentators have mentioned Springboks should guard against complacency ahead of their Samoa in Paris on Sunday. The focus of the attention at today's first media conference was the highly anticipated Group A clash next Friday - a match that will in all possibility determine the Group a winners.

The islanders are physical and gave England a run for their money at the 2003 World Cup in Australia.England, on the other hand, takes on the United States before the match against the Springboks.

With injuries no longer a concern, White is expected to unleash the big guns for Sunday's match. Hopefully we do not get too many injuries those Samoan boys are brutal.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Os du Randt. Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Wikus van Heerden, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 André Pretorius, 22 Francois Steyn.

Date: Sunday, 9 September Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris Kick-off: 16:00 (15:00 BST) Referee: Paul Honiss (New Zealand)

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