South African rugby coach Jake White leads South African optimism about this weekend's Tri-Nations clash with their biggest rivals, the All Blacks of New Zealand, arguing that his team respects but does not fear their haka-dancing foes. In terms of their preparations the Springboks are treating this weekend like the World Cup Finals.
As a motivational tool such an approach makes some sense, but given the way that fortunes change in world class rugby, Amabokkobokko need to keep their eyes on the prize. The Tri-Nations tournament is usually the best in the world in any given years, but every four years the World Cup is the only competition that matters. White does not want his charges to peak too soon. By all means, beat the All Blacks. But keep in mind that beating them now, and in so doing in all likelihood winning the Tri Nations, will seem pretty hollow solace if they do not follow it by hoisting the William Webb Ellis Cup in France later this year.
