Tri Nations Rugby

Tri Nations Rugby

Big rugby? No, it's just a warm-up

July 13, 2007 Edition 1
Michael Vlismas and Andy Colquhoun
The Rugby World Cup's dominance of the international calendar has ensured that tomorrow's Test between the Springboks and All Blacks is no more than a warm-up match.
"Both nations have put huge premiums on the Rugby World Cup," said Springbok coach Jake White. "One can look at this test match in isolation and maybe feel aggrieved, but if the World Cup final is South Africa versus New Zealand, no one is going to be worried about what happens in Christchurch tomorrow."
Still, no rugby challenge is harder than facing the All Blacks in Christchurch, where the temperature dips to -8°C and it rains most of the time.
top.

Christchurch boasts about 12 000 Springbok fans. As one told White: "You may have brought the B team here, but you'll have the A team of supporters behind you."
Kick-off is at 9.30am SA time.