Is Gatland assertive or just a bit cocky? Firing from the hip the dragon rider had the following to say as they landed at the airport in Wellington:
“They don’t play any rugby,” Gatland told reporters in Wellington on Saturday, a day after his side arrived in New Zealand for the Sept. 9-Oct. 23 tournament, before he clarified his statement.
“They’re very good at what they do in terms of set piece and they put the ball up in the air, use the power runners effectively and they’re a strong defensive side.
“We pretty much know what they’re going to do.
“(Morne) Steyn kicks penalties and drop goals and they will play to their strengths because that’s what they’re good at doing (and) they’re definitely a hard side to beat.”
Gatland said the key to beating the Springboks, therefore, would be to match them physically, which he was confident his side would be able to do.
This guy can coach make no mistake and some of his observations are in all fairness not totally of the mark.
What I do find cocky though is the fact that the Dragons have won only one test in more than 100 years against SA. Also they lost their last RWC encounters against Samoa and Fiji.
Considering the size of the South Africans, the Somoans and Fijians and not so tiny ‘biltong boere’ from Namibia I do believe that size matters in this Pool of D’eath.
Last time I looked through my magnifying glass at the Welshies I had real problems convincing the females in our group that there was anything sizable enough amongst the dragons from the valley’s to elicit any form of excitement.
What does concern me is that we do hit them first still unbruised, fresh and full of confidence after they smashed the POMS in the August warm-up games.
They might put up a decent performance against us in the first match but I have my doubts whether the rugby-romantics-from-the-valley’s have the bulk to survive four bruising encounters in Pool D.
“Gatland said the key to beating the Springboks, therefore, would be to match them physically, which he was confident his side would be able to do”.
That is one option. The other is to avoid physical confrontation, and rely on speed. Not sure if Wales is especially well-equipped for that option. The All Blacks usually have a different emphasis when they play Australia (smash em!), or South Africa (run the big Boers off their feet!).
You are right about the pool of death. Am looking forward to this game. I can see now what is going to happen with Kiwi supporters crowing about our chances heading into the knock-out phase: ABs should rack up some impressive score lines in pool play (if we can douse the first 30 minutes of Tongan fire).
Meanwhile the Boks will be collecting 10 to 15 point wins in tight physical encounters, using the prescription Gatland has outlined (has been the essential Bok game plan, with a few modifications, since they beat Scotland back in 1912!).
But the comparison will be deceptive, because the Boks will be getting precisely the warm up they need, and are looking for, prior to the big games.
But! I don’t think SA’s transit through that aptly named pool of death is clear-cut, or certain. The realisation here in Auckland one day before the big party is that it is not just NZ hosting this RWC. The substantial Pacific Island communities are stepping up to the plate big time, adding to the buzz, ensuring their teams will be supported exceedingly well. You go driving on the road, and there are heaps of cars flying flags, but the biggest, and most numerous are for Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga.
Wales, I think, will miss out on qualifying – their record against Samoa at RWC is poor, and the islanders had a good lead-up win against Australia.
And Fiji have a reputation of performing very well at RWC, and have made the 1/4s three times before. They pulled of THE upset of the tournament in 1987 beating Argentina, were one dropped ball away from beating France in the 1/4s in that tournament in an absolutely stunning game, and if It wasn’t for every South Africans’ favourite Kiwi ref Paddy O’Brien, they would have beaten France in 1999.
If South Africa can navigate that group, the maxim “That which does not destroy you makes you stronger” applies (Nietzche, as quoted in the opening credits of Conan the Barbarian! Didn’t Conan prop for OFS in about 1968?!)
You’re right our transit through the Pool is not at all a certainty.
These Samoans, and Fijians are playing S15 rugby lately and they have ex-all blacks coaching them (or at the very least helping with coachiong) so they are a lot more competative than previous years.
I also believe Wales will miss out even if they win the first match against us. The physical demands of the contest against these mongrel teams (SA, Samoa, Fiji, Namibia) will leave them bruised and battered.
Mclook – I have always enjoyed your posts, because of your excellent rugby knowledge. Thanks looking forward to RWC 2011 and SA vs Wales.
wales matched up physically to a strong England pack. They may just have what it takes.
England is hardly a yard stick. We beat them 21-11 in their own backyard last year, and that was our B team…
Well said Kimbo. I do think South Africa should manage well against Fiji and especially Samoa whom we have an exceptional record against, which should see us through to the QF’s. If not, well, then we don’t deserve the cup.
Yes true, but they do have solid forwards and the welsh stood up to them.
I am busy with making some video clips of the set piece and breakdowns in last years EOYT against Wales.
To be posted before Sunday.
You’re right though the Welsh pack is no walkover.
The size, spoeed and strength of the Fidjians and Samoans in the backline might give them some trouble though.
They are of course a much improved side and I am a big Gatland fan.
I will be gutted though if we loose against them.
Thanks mate. I can’t wait for the match too but are also just a bit concerned about these dragons.
I think Gatland just knows how to distract the Boks, however for the one eye’d supporters who still believe the Boks are the only “big okes” in world rugby, go take a look at this Wales v Boks “size” comparison, I got halfway through the teams and called it a day!http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33597805/Rugby_Player_Comparisons.pdf
Yip, probably nothing more than mind games. I do however get the feeling he is trying to convince himself.
The difference between the boks and Wales is far greater than Gatland think as you’ll see in my next post (which I am working on at the moment – soon to b posted).