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No change in pressure, Cowan

All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan is expecting no lessening in pressure from halfback rival Ricky Januarie in the absence of outstanding Springbok Fourie du Preez for Saturday's first Tri Nations Test at Eden Park.

Thursday, 08 July 2010

Sportal.co.nz

All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan is expecting no lessening in pressure from halfback rival Ricky Januarie in the absence of outstanding Springbok Fourie du Preez for Saturday's first Tri Nations Test at Eden Park.

Januarie had been in the side for around five years and with 40 Tests he was a key component in what the Springboks had to offer, Cowan said.

"He's a top halfback and while he didn't play a lot of Super 14 he has a lot to offer and will be a tough opponent on Saturday," he said.

The Springboks would be typically physical, and some of their newer players had made their marks in the earlier Tests but he was hopeful the All Blacks had prepared sufficiently to cope with the threat.

The Springboks were a tough side, and while the Super 14 wasn't Test match rugby, it was a gauge of just what the Springboks were capable of.

"They had two teams in the final of the Super 14, they are Tri Nations champions, they are going to be strong.

"We want to get to where they are at. They probably set the bench mark at the moment so it should be a good match-up on Saturday," he said.

Cowan said there was a possibility that the tension could result in players playing the match too soon in their minds and not being ready for Saturday. But Cowan said that came down to how players managed their preparation.

"It's just about getting that balance right, switching on and switching off from rugby," he said.

The losses last season had taught the All Blacks plenty about the dangers of playing an expansive game on the high veldt.

"I think it's the old adage, you've got to get the set piece right, play field position and if you do that against these guys you are in with a chance. You've got to nullify their ball carriers and stop them going forward because as soon as they do go forward they're a hard team to stop," he said.

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