Boks are focussed on winning: Jean
"This campaign is not about lasts or firsts, it's about going there and doing the job by producing good performances."
|||Johannesburg - As the Springboks head to England for the Rugby World Cup, captain Jean de Villiers says his charges have to remove sentimentality and simply get the job done.
For many like De Villiers, Victor Matfield, Fourie Du Preez and Bryan Habana this World Cup should be their last but an emotional send-off will be far from the minds of these players according to the captain.
“This is a campaign that’s not about lasts or firsts, it’s about going there and doing the job by producing good performances,” said De Villiers on Friday before the squad made their way to OR Tambo international to fly to England. The first assignment for the Boks will be against the Japanese in Brighton on September 19.
“It’s not going to be a World Cup where it’s a farewell for one oke or another, it’s a World Cup where we’re all fighting towards the same goal – whether you’re 20 years old or 38 – it’s about doing your job on the field.”
De Villiers, himself, has made a miraculous recovery from a horror knee injury last year and more recently a fractured jaw in early August. The 34-year-old said he never doubted he would make it onto the plane for the quadrennial showpiece.
“I certainly backed myself to make it to the World Cup from the very first day I decided I wanted to have another challenge. It was about proving to the right people I would be ready for it, and able to make a positive contribution. With the knee, it was such an unbelievable journey. With the jaw I went for the scans, and looking at the timeframe I knew I would be fine.
“You do go through the ups-and-downs, and when one setback hits you after another then it is tough. That’s where the team spirit comes through and they get you up and positive. That will happen throughout the competition on a daily basis, there will be guys in a good space and they can help the others.”
When the squad was announced the lack of transformation was a talking point, but the criticism of the side’s make-up was not allowed to effect the players said De Villiers.
“The vibe within the squad is excellent, the last couple of weeks were tough regarding the atmosphere from a supporters view.
“There was a lot of negative energy that came through, but I think that’s a small minority that created that. When you meet anybody on the street, or a supporter anywhere, then you again realise how special it is to play for the Springboks. That’s when it feels like the whole of South Africa is behind us. To represent your country is special, because a lot of guys don’t get that opportunity.”
There have also been comparisons between the Springbok side who had a poor lead-up to the 2007 tournament before going on to win the title. De Villiers, however, said comparisons before-hand were futile.
“You can say anything you want about our preparation before ’07 and ’11, what really matters us what we go out and do. Then only will be able to say our preparation was good enough, or it wasn’t. Essentially, what you do before the tournament is important, but you still have to go out there and put in good performances.”
With the final scheduled for October 31, it would be important for the Springboks to manage their mental approach carefully.
“The important thing is to keep rugby the main focus. We’re going over there to win rugby games. That’s the number one focus. But you can’t do that for seven weeks, every single day, 24/7.
“It’s important also to get away from rugby a little bit, enjoy the social part of going on tour. It will be nice to go to some football games, play some golf and get away from rugby when you can and just switch off. Then when it’s back to work time, we need to be able to switch on again. And it’s simply about getting that balance right.”
Returning to South Africa victorious in his last World Cup would cap off what would be the perfect end to his career said De Villiers.
“The fact that I know it’s my last opportunity makes it even more special. I’ve been playing for the Boks and in South Africa for a long time, and eventually when that comes to an end you want to be able to finish it on a high.
“I love playing rugby, and moments like this make it special. It makes you realise what it’s about. You don’t just play for a win every Saturday, we don’t just play to win a World Cup. We as the Springboks play for so much more. That’s what gives us the edge – the fact that we are South Africa, we are very different. That comes through every time I see our supporters come out.”
ANA