Jake: Boks have lost their mystique
With Glasgow beating the Sharks team half-full of Bok players, Scotland will have confidence when facing the Springboks next Sunday.
Jake White says that SA teams playing against the northern hemisphere sides in the Vodacom URC has made the Springboks a known quantity for their rivals.
Scotland host the Boks at Murrayfield next Sunday, and writing for RugbyPass, White contends that the world champions’ mystique has waned due to frequent exposure to northern teams, making them more predictable.
He suggests Scottish club Glasgow’s URC title-winning success over the White’s Vodacom Bulls last season and consistent good performances against South African sides will boost the national team’s confidence against the Boks.
Rassie Erasmus’ charges face the Scots in the opening match of their November tour to the UK, before Tests against England (November 16), and Wales (November 23).
White sees the November internationals as pivotal for assessing northern hemisphere teams’ readiness, especially England.
He believes England has untapped potential, noting their wealth of talent and infrastructure but inconsistent success.
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He also notes that Wales, under Gatland, has renewed vigor, with promising young players such as Jac Morgan.
“What has changed for the Boks is they’ve lost their mystique, simply because they’re playing against the northern hemisphere sides now. They are a known quantity,” he writes.
“I remember we’d only see the All Blacks every decade, so when we met the Sid Goings, Murray Mexteds and Andy Hadens it felt like a big deal. There was an aura about them. If you are playing them every weekend, that je ne sais quoi naturally lessens.
“If Glasgow can beat the Sharks with a side half-full of Boks, that will give their players confidence up at Murrayfield. The confidence Glasgow have got from winning the URC will be similar to the fear factor Leinster impose.
“The fact Franco Smith’s team got seven points on their travels in SA was a warning not to underestimate our Scottish friends.”
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