Boks won't back off hard stuff

By WYNNE GRAY in Dunedin

Stefan Terblanche is a rare Springbok. He has tasted a test victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

Since South Africa's resumption of international sport in 1992, the Springboks have played the All Blacks 24 times for six wins, with one solitary success in New Zealand.

Of the squad preparing for Saturday's test at Carisbrook, only Terblanche and seasoned halfback Joost van der Westhuizen were part of that victorious side who won 13-3 at Athletic Park five years ago.

Terblanche looks sure to be offered the chance of a repeat, while van der Westhuizen is in a battle for a starting place with Neil de Kock.

The Springboks are due to name their side this morning, with doubts about halfback, lock and the fitness of utility fullback Andre Pretorius. He has been troubled by a knee injury, but coach Rudolf Straeuli may decide to use the bulkier Thinus Delport anyway.

The ban on prop Robbie Kempson opens up a place for Lawrence Sephaka, while the massive Geo Cronje is being considered for a test start instead of Selborne Boome.

Whatever the final decisions, Terblanche said the recipe for victory remained unchanged.

The template was set down by the Springboks who won in Wellington in 1998.

"Our defence that day was just great and we never allowed the All Blacks any space at all," he said.

"Every time you play the All Blacks it is the same, otherwise they will annihilate you, and I hope to pass that on to the younger guys."

Despite the accusations in the aftermath of the Boks' defeat last weekend against the Wallabies, Terblanche felt his side had to increase their combative aggression. The Springboks had gone away a little from their traditional strengths, but still had faith in their ability.

"I think we must even be more physical. There have been a lot of allegations this week about you know ... but it is great to be in New Zealand, a rugby country, and your guys are so physical and we take it in that light.

"We'll go out on the field, play our hearts out and leave it on the park afterwards. But we must have our pack going forward, it makes it so much easier for the backs."

If the basics were achieved it was much easier to play the other parts of test rugby, he said.

Terblanche is depicted in the South African media as a fringe World Cup contender, but he does not acknowledge that pressure.

There was always that burden in international rugby, he said, even the All Blacks would be feeling it and there was no point in the Springboks lumping additional stress on themselves.

The All Blacks were no more dangerous than England or France - they were all top contenders for the World Cup later this season.

If it was clear night at Carisbrook, conditions might help the Springboks, Terblanche said. It loomed a better prospect than playing the All Blacks on a hard track where their backs could attack as in Sydney.

"They were unbelievable in that game and that is what they can do with Carlos Spencer. I think they were even better then than they were against us in Pretoria."