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Boks have to start over again

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers says his side's success in last year's Tri Nations will count for nothing when it begins its title defence against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

Tuesday, 06 July 2010

Sportal.co.nz

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers says his side's success in last year's Tri Nations will count for nothing when it begins its title defence against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

The Springboks secured their third southern hemisphere title last year after losing just one of their six games, claiming an unprecedented whitewash of the All Blacks across the three games played between the sides.

That followed on the back of a 2-1 series success against the British and Irish Lions, and De Villiers' side has carried that impressive form into 2010 by beginning its international series with victories over Wales, France and Italy (twice).

But De Villiers knows the world champion will face a sterner test altogether at Eden Park this weekend, and when it meets Graham Henry's side a week later in Wellington.

"That [the 2009 win] is in the past," said De Villiers. "If we don't look forward we won't move forward.

"What worked for us in 2009 will not work for us this year and we will have to find new and different ways to get the results we want.

"The All Blacks, like us, have had a very good build-up into the tournament with good wins over Ireland and Wales and we expect them be as tough as they always are.

"It is going to be very tight, as it usually is.

"The rivalry between the three teams is such that there is seldom much to choose between them. There is a lot of respect for each other but we all know how important the tournament is this year with a World Cup in 2011.

"There will be more points to be scored than merely those on the scoreboard."

The Springboks' 2009 title tilt was based on victories in the three home games that kicked off their campaign.

This season they start with three games on the road, and the coach admits that being able to beat the All Blacks in their own back yard would be a huge boost ahead of the defence of their world title next year.

He said: "We would like to build on our recent successes on New Zealand soil. It won't be easy but we will give it our best shot over the next two weeks. Success here will be an important confidence booster for the World Cup too.

"Last season we had a great draw and getting three wins at home really worked in our favour. With an away start this year we have to approach things differently because we know how tough it can be on the road.

"We will also be up against local weather conditions and passionate local support too so there is a lot of focus and planning to do."

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