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Nkumane: Habana needs to shine
23/11/2006 12:37 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Former Lions forward Owen Nkumane believes the Springboks have what it takes to reverse last weekend's defeat against England when the two teams clash at Twickenham on Saturday.
Nkumane said in a SuperSport press release that he was fairly happy with the performance of the tight five against England last week and feels they will have the upper hand again on Saturday. And he is delighted with the inclusion in the side of Kabamba Floors.
"The tight five was sound last week and the loose trio looks a lot better now that we have a 'fetcher' there in Kabamba. I still think Juan Smith is a better No 8 than Danie Rossouw, but it is a far better trio now that Kabamba is there.
"My only concern with him is his lack of experience in a match at this level. Does he have the character to come through? He will be in front of a hostile crowd and will be under added pressure because we lost our last two. Everyone will be looking at him to make a difference," said Nkumane.
On the plus side, Nkumane was very impressed with fullback Francois Steyn last week.
"He made a sound start in his debut against Ireland and then looked very good at fullback last week. I'm glad Jake White resisted the temptation to play him at No 10. Playing a new guy in three different positions in his first three games would not, in my opinion, have been too clever."
The fact that Saturday's match is the last chance for many players to stake a claim for World Cup spots will, believes Nkumane, result in a workmanlike performance.
"It is a serious guts or glory situation for us, and we need the win. I don't expect to see anything spectacular from our guys. Players like Ricky Januarie and Bryan Habana will want to shine while Wynand Olivier on attack and Jean de Villiers on defence will want to have solid games."
Kick-off is at 16:30 SA time.
- News24
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