the Rugby World Cup
13 October 2007
If the World Cup rugby match against England showed us that we can
convincingly beat the best, then the one against Fiji reminded us that we are
beatable. Most importantly however, the Fiji match also showed us that we have
the 'never-say-die' attitude to up our sleeves when it matters the most.
Against Argentina tomorrow, we will need this attitude and the confidence that
we drew from the match against England.
While like many South Africans the Minister for Sport and Recreation in
South Africa, Reverend Doctor Makhenkesi Stofile and Deputy Minister, Mr Gert
Oosthuizen believes that the Springboks will reach the finals, they urge them
to stick to the 'one-game-at-a-time' approach that Coach Jake White spoke about
at the beginning of the tournament.
Like South Africa, Argentina worked hard to reach the semi finals. Our team
can therefore not afford to underestimate them in any way irrespective of how
well we think we know them. After the Proteas' disappointing showing in the
recent Twenty20 World Championship, the whole of South Africa can do with some
good news on the sporting front and this much, we expect the Springboks to
deliver.
Both Reverend Stofile and Mr Oosthuizen wish the Springboks well against
Argentina and hope that the senior players in the team will once again take the
lead and help the young players who will be playing their first world cup
semi-final, rise to the occasion. As the Springboks march onto the pitch
tomorrow, we have no doubt that they will do so with pride and knowledge that
the whole country (South Africa) is behind them.
Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Spokesperson
Cell: 082 782 1759
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
13 October 2007
