Bekker: Rein in Carter and win
2008-08-14 22:01
Stephen Nell
Cape Town - The Springboks are hoping to keep a tight rein on All Black flyhalf Dan Carter by dominating in the lineout and the scrum in the Tri-Nations rugby Test here on Saturday.
"The game begins in the tight phases. If you don't win your ball there, it will never reach the backs," lock forward Andries Bekker said on Thursday.
"I think our backs are among the most dangerous around," he added.
"If we can put pressure on Carter before he kicks the ball it will make a big difference."
Carter, as usual, probably holds the key to a New Zealand victory. He is a brilliant playmaker and his tactical kicking could be the deciding factor.
He is likely to try and keep the ball in play rather than have the All Blacks compete with the South African lineout specialists.
Bekker is ready to make the most of his opportunity as stand-in for injured Bakkies Botha. He may not offer the same physical presence but he is a hard worker and, with the exception of Victor Matfield, probably the best lineout jumper in South Africa.
Big challenge
"Bakkies is a special player, but I will start the match against the All Blacks at Newlands. What more can I ask for? I think I bring my own physical approach," he said.
"I have great respect for Brad Thorn and Ali Williams. They are among the best locks in the world. But Victor and I will take them on.
"In our pack, everyone but Luke Watson can jump in the lineout.
"I regard this as a big challenge, especially now that Bakkies is out. If I don't make my mark this weekend, I'll spoil my chances to make the starting lineup again. It's a big one for me, this weekend."
In Botha's absence, South Africa have also called versatile Danie Rossouw into the squad.
Rossouw has performed well at lock and loose forward for the Springboks and he will probably take over if Bekker does not come up to expectations.
However, Bekker was one of the best lock forwards in the Super 14 competition this year and he has made good use of his opportunities at Test level.
Earlier in his career, he was sometimes accused of spending too much time out on the wing, but that no longer applies.
"I'll start by playing a tight game. But maybe I'll make an appearance on the wing and score a try. Who knows?" he joked.