Brits ready for lineout test
2008-07-15 22:01
Stephen Nell
Perth - Wallaby lock forward Nathan Sharpe has received a blunt response from Schalk Brits for saying the absence of John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis could have a negative influence on South Africa's lineout here on Saturday.
"He can say what he likes. The question is whether he can do the same sort of talking on the field," Brits said here on Tuesday.
With Smit injured and Du Plessis suspended, Brits will be the Springbok hooker when South Africa and Australia meet in their Tri-Nations rugby Test on Saturday. He will therefore have to throw the ball into the lineout.
Sharpe said South Africa's lineout would lack some combination and "that's an area that we certainly will target".
Brits, the third hooker to start for the Springboks in three Test matches, won't permit any psychological warfare to affect his game. "I'll simply do my talking on the field," he said on Tuesday.
The Stormers player realises, nevertheless, that his throwing will be tested at the Subiaco Oval.
The Springboks dominated the lineouts during last week's Test against New Zealand but the All Blacks have a weakness in that department.
Looking forward to the weekend
"I must say the Aussies are good in the lineout and it's going to be tough on Saturday," Brits said.
"But having lock forwards such as Andries Bekker, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha makes my job easier.
"I'm looking forward to the weekend. I don't know whether I have ever looked forward to any match so much."
After carrying the tackle bags for the past two weeks, Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski may both play against the Wallabies.
Spies is likely to take over at No 8 from Joe van Niekerk and Kankowski could be on the bench in place of Luke Watson.
Even All Black captain Richie McCaw has said he was surprised that Kankowski took no part in the two Tests in New Zealand.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers could have five forwards among his seven substitutes this week, giving him the option of two prop forwards and two loose forwards on the bench.
"It's a very good suggestion. Maybe we'll consider it," De Villiers said when he was asked about the possibility on Tuesday. "I'll discuss it with (captain) Victor Matfield and the assistant coaches."
Watson was on the bench in both matches against New Zealand.
De Villiers, who will announce his team on Thursday, says the way the Australians play, not the weather, will influence his selections.
The Wallabies don't have an outstanding kicker such as New Zealand's Dan Carter, against whom a physical approach is needed.
"They (the Australians) like to run the ball," De Villiers pointed out.
The inclusion of Frans Steyn at centre in place of injured Adrian Jacobs must also still be discussed.