Springbok coach warming to the hot seat

By WYNNE GRAY

Like most new national rugby coaches, Springbok supremo Jake White has a dream.

Indeed, he has multiple visions about a resurgence for South African rugby as he joins the lengthy list of those appointed to the job since the country was readmitted to international sport in 1992.

But the 40-year-old former physical education teacher desperately wants to re-ignite the passion for the Springbok jersey, something he feels has eroded in recent years.

"We have had something like 85 players representing the Springboks in the last 18 tests," he told the Herald. "That is just ridiculous.

"I want to make every selection special, make every player feel like it is his first test. I want the players to feel excited like those schoolboys who run to the noticeboard to find out if they are in the first XV."

White's elevation follows the demise of Rudolf Straeuli, and more acrimony among administrators, players, officials and the media in the lead-up to, and the fall-out from, a failed World Cup campaign.

He saw his promotion as an opportunity, not a poisoned chalice.

A schoolboy hooker and loose forward, White has been involved in coaching for about 20 years but has never been in charge of a Currie Cup or Super 12 side.

He worked with two of the most successful recent Springbok coaches, Kitch Christie and Nick Mallett, and has twice led the Baby Boks to their global tournament successes.

"We have not done that well lately in the test arena and we have to start winning again," White said.

"Victories create their own momentum. I want, for example, the players to feel that money is a consequence, not a reason, for playing this game."

White has a simple philosophy, based on hard work, planning and an open mind.

"Everything is based on preparation. He who fails to prepare must be prepared to fail."

With that principle in mind, White has already visited Britain to assess the player drain which has damaged his resources. He accepts that market forces will remove some of South Africa's world-class players but he wanted to meet some to see if they would return.

He had talks with players including Jaco van der Westhuizen, Robbie Fleck and Percy Montgomery and was encouraged by their allegiance to Springbok rugby.

White also watched some of the Six Nations games to gauge the challenge he faces when the Springboks start their 2004 campaign, against Ireland.

On his recent travels he also met former All Black coach John Hart and his captain Sean Fitzpatrick and they exchanged thoughts on organising rugby sides, methods and the brotherhood of coaches.

"Of course John was not going to give away any secrets about the All Blacks but he told me what worked for him as a coach, how to handle certain situations."

White has already made it clear he will be taking more interest in the way South African teams play against overseas sides in the Super 12.

"When we get two local teams playing there is a massive amount of hype and expectation and we often get results like a 13-10 test match.

"The following week one of those same sides shows half the commitment and gets beaten by 40 points by a visiting side from New Zealand or Australia."

White acknowledged the improved early showing of South African sides in the Super 12 but also said the draw played a huge role in some of the outcomes.

"This competition looks more even at the moment and it would be great to have at least one South African side in the playoffs although that would mean the Springbok preparations would take a battering. I would also like to have national trials but there is not enough time, I need to make my assessments in Super 12 and get into it."