Japan’s Karne Hesketh, right, scores the winning try against South Africa during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Brighton Community Stadium in Brighton, England
Saturday, 11:45pm
South Africa v Samoa
H 1.09, D 60, A 13
What struck Bismarck Du Plessis a day after he and his South Africa teammates were staggered by Japan in the Rugby World Cup was the bus ride as they transferred bases.
“I have never been on a more quiet bus than the one from Eastbourne to Birmingham. 99.9 percent of the guys were just listening to their own music, or reading the newspaper, or reading a book,” Du Plessis said yesterday, reflecting on the aftermath of the 34-32 loss last weekend.
Teams usually sing and joke on bus rides, but Du Plessis considered the silence as a positive reaction. A result that shocked the sports world was being digested by the Springboks, analyzed internally, and committed to memory in order to prevent a repeat.
“You have to deal with it yourself first,” he added.
“The nice thing is the sun comes up again. You have to stay positive and stay focused for the weekend. You can’t go out and have that anger in you.”
The burly hooker has moved on, and urged his teammates to do the same. Next up on Saturday was Samoa, which already wasn’t intimidated by the Springboks, but was, like all other Tier Two teams, emboldened by Japan’s result.
Their Pool B matchup promises to be explosive, with the Springboks desperate to save their reputations, and Manu Samoa sensing rattled opponents there for the taking.
“We do have a choice; either sit down and stick our heads in the sand or flipping get up, take the next job, and go,” South Africa assistant coach Johann Van Graan said. “That’s the brilliant thing about the players. We, as a whole group, have taken responsibility.”
Because of the defeat, the Springboks have fallen from third to sixth in the world rankings, their lowest point since the rankings began in October 2003.
The criticism back home has been predictably scathing — not least from Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who aimed his powerful words straight at the coach.
“Heyneke Meyer and your team, please represent South Africa and make us proud. What I saw (Saturday) is not the Springboks I know,” Mbalua said on Sunday when addressing a crowd. “I phoned the coach and I told him we are a nation of fighters. Next game, I want to see the Springboks, otherwise they will be nothing else but a bunch of losers.”
Criticism like that often brings players closer together, instilling in them a sense of collective defiance against the scorn and mockery of the outside world.
“It is now possible to ignore (the criticism) completely,” utility back Patrick Lambie said. “We don’t really have a choice. Since I’ve been involved with the Springboks, it’s brought the best out of us when we have our backs against the wall.”
Having beaten the United States 25-16 in their pool opener on Sunday, the Samoans have a great chance to push for a quarterfinal spot if they beat the Springboks.
The crowd at Gloucester’s intimate 17,000-seat Kingsholm Stadium will no doubt play a part, too. People love an underdog.
Japan coach Eddie Jones predicted the match will be “a bash-up” between two of rugby’s more physical sides. It certainly was at the last tournament four years ago, when the sides met in pool play at North Harbour Stadium and South Africa scraped through a brutal encounter 13-5.
Samoa fullback Paul Williams was sent off for striking flanker Heinrich Brussow in the face, while for the Springboks hooker, John Smit was sin-binned for a deliberate knock on and lock Danie Rossouw sent to the blood bin.
“That was one of the most physical games I have been involved in,” said Lambie, who played at fullback in that match. “I don’t think we are expecting anything less at the weekend. Samoa are always up for it when they play the Springboks. We will have to be prepared physically and mentally.”
They have no choice, with their reputations on the line. Jerome Pugmire, Sports Writer, AP / Oddschecker.com
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