Despite natural excitement about the inclusion of several talented and potentially explosive youngsters in the Springbok touring squad to Britain and Italy in November‚ the Boks cannot afford to play rugby as if it were a sunny June day on the Highveld. Wing Sergeal Petersen represents the type of player that could make a huge difference in the longer term. But because of the weather and quality of the opposition – England and Wales in particular – this is not a tour where his speed and flair will be at a premium. In wet‚ cold conditions against two sides who are organised on defence and attack intelligently‚ playing the percentages is the best route to victory for a Springbok side still unsure of its identity. Coach Allister Coetzee has already made the right noises, suggesting that the games will not be about expansive rugby but rather about grimly winning the field inch by inch. England on November 12, loom as the most important game on tour, although by the time the Boks get to ...
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