All The Talk – Boks v Oz

What the major role-players in Saturday’s Tri Nations clash are saying.

Butch James on his opposite number Matt Giteau:

“He’s a really good player and a tough little guy. You’ve really got to keep your eye on him all the time on attack and in defence he holds his own really well.

“He just knows when to have a go and when to let the ball go, so he can spot a weakness in defence. He knows when to take a break, he knows when to kick and his decision-making is right up there.

“It’s always good to judge yourself against the best and I think him and Carter are the best.”

Butch James on his recent below-par performances:

“I don’t think I played well. I was not good in most areas. I missed a few tackles and I took wrong options.

“Giteau and Dan Carter are similar players. They’re tough guys; a threat on attack, and good kickers. There’s nothing better than to test yourself against the two best flyhalves in the world.

“You can’t concentrate on Giteau because he’ll only put someone else into space. He is consistent but every now and then he is brilliant. I hope he has an ordinary day.

“We never talk about being physical. It is natural in the way South Africans play. I never go out to be physical. One just hopes it’s there, because it’s something you need in rugby.

“I thought they (Australia) were better than the All Blacks last year and I expect the same this weekend. I think the Wallabies will be really good.

“With their new coach, their counter-attacks and defence have gone to a new level.

“Deans’s teams are always a threat. Even when you take the lead, they are able to score from anywhere and take the initiative away from you.

“It’s always dangerous to beat the All Blacks and play again the next weekend. If we think we merely have to turn up to win it’s going to be a long day.”

Matt Giteau on his expectations for Saturday’s match:

“It’s a Test match so I think it’s going to be a physical game whether you’re targeted or not. It comes with the territory as a flyhalf. They’re the players that you look to get to the most physically, obviously because they control a lot of what the team’s trying to do.

“So no fears at all, I think it just comes with the game.”

Stirling Mortlock on being tagged as underdogs for their home game:

“From our perspective, the team’s perspective, we’ve got objectives and goals that we’re focused on but certainly that underdog tag, that sits fine with us, that’s great.

“We’re still going out with a huge positive focus to play positive football and hopefully be successful.”

Peter De Villiers on whether the Wallabies will adapt to the ELVs:

“The Wallabies are very intelligent rugby players. I know they have an advantage over analysing things and going very deep into the technical side of the game.

“I don’t think they will struggle a lot because they were the guys who wanted the new ELVs to start with so they know exactly what they want and they’ve played it with their club sides for almost a year.

“They are a team that you do have to respect. They kept the ball for 12 to 14 phases (against France) – they wear you down and their execution is always brilliant. They are a great all-round team and we are in for a very tough game this weekend.

“We definitely have (analysed the Aussies). That’s what we’re being paid for. But it is our bedroom business and we don’t want to discuss our bedroom business in public.

“We respect them, we know that they are going to be very tough because they’ve got a point to prove, too. Everybody focuses on New Zealand falling out of the World Cup. Australia did, too, and I think they’ve also got a point to prove.

“They’ve got a great coach in, brilliant players. I mean If you play without Daniel Vickerman in the locks then the other locks must be great to be there. So we will be aware of the threats they can pose to us but, then again, it’s war and you die.”

Victor Matfield on practising with two new hookers:

“We’re very happy. We’ve had a good week with Schalk and his throwing is looking very good at the moment. Adriaan had a session this morning and he’s a great thrower, as we know from back home.

Victor Matfield on the influence of Dingo Deans on the Wallabies:

“He has always been keen to keep the ball infield. From the last three games it is clear that he has just taken the Australian way of playing, and is attempting to make that better. Every week there will be something new.

“You can still see the Australian way of play. We know he loves counter-attacking, and we know he loves putting things in place with turnover ball.

“Five or six years ago, the Wallabies started all this phase play, and keeping the ball in phases. But he has come in and probably given them more direction, and even seen them penetrate a bit more.”

Pierre Spies on Saturday’s game and missing out last week:

“Look, it’s nice, but you share that happiness only up to a point because you did not play. It was a treat to be part of the squad and to share in a victory in New Zealand. It does not happen often. I’ll remember that forever.

“You can’t do anything about it if you’re not selected. It’s out of your control. I believe my best rugby still lies ahead.

“The fact that I missed the World Cup tournament and was not included in the 22 for the two matches in New Zealand was merely another step to make me a stronger and better player.

“Inasmuch as I wanted to play, I knew the coach had a plan; he was working with different combinations. It’s something you have to accept.

“I don’t believe in “horses for courses”. There may be a perception that I play better in dry weather but conditions make no difference to me. The coach expects certain things from every player. I am expected to carry the ball effectively and to provide momentum. Loose forwards want to carry the ball and be a link between the tight forwards and the backs.

“Palu is a good player – strong on the attack and defence. The Wallabies are a balanced team and they’ll be a real test for us on their home ground.

“It will be a wonderful victory if we can achieve it. Two wins on tour will put us in a really strong position - a good position from which to work for our home matches.”

Robbie Deans on Australia’s approach to Saturday’s game:

“We won’t be able to be conservative against a side that has the physical capabilities of the South Africans and get home. The key will be to keep them busy with the traffic coming the other way.

“They were a little bit more prepared to use the width of the ground and, to be frank, that makes them harder (to defend against) because you can’t presume (they won’t take it wide). It makes them a more challenging opponent to defend against.”

Lote Tuqiri believes a loose game will be to the Wallabies’ advantage:

“If we can stick to our game plan and our structures we are trying to put in place hopefully it will open up out wide. It’s up to us to think on our feet.”