Year: 2007

Snippet Heyneke Meyer on the Boks: “This is a very powerful team, especially our forwards are amongst the best in the world – it is a pack that don’t take a step back for anybody. We also have some very exciting backs and all-round it is a well-balanced team. This team has been together for four years now and have loads of experience. My only concern would be at fly-half, if Butch James or Andre Pretorius is injured, what will happen then? But we have a team that can win the World Cup.” Comments:

Snippet Andre Markgraaff on the Boks: “It is a very strong team, the best available that we have. I am a little surprised that we are taking five locks to the World Cup – I include Danie Rossouw in this group. We could have taken an extra loose forward and played Danie as a lock in the ‘easier’ games.” Comments:

Snippet The IRB has ordered the Boks to cut the ‘handles’ off their specially-designed Canterbury shorts – designed to assist lifting in the lineouts and binding in the scrums. “The IRB pointed out to us why the shorts were not right and we solved the problem by cutting off the loops,” said Bok manager Zola Yeye. Comments:

Snippet John Eales believes the Boks will disappoint in the RWC: “New Zealand, traditionally, don’t live up to their potential, however, in ’95, I think South Africa went ahead of their potential. But every other year they’ve performed below their potential. You look at their players and man for man the ability they’ve got, the physical ability they’ve got, they can match anyone in the world.” Joel Stransky agreed: “In ’95 we played out of our socks. I hate to say it, but John is right – we have loads of great players, we have loads of talent and yet we never seem to combine this talent to become a great side.” Comments: