South Africa have become the first World Cup winners to build on their success rather than see it mark the end of an era, but the coach appointed after their success against England in Paris in 2007, Peter de Villiers, has made his name more for what he says than what his team does. He has been at it again this week in the run-up to tomorrow'sopening match of the Tri-Nations against the All Blacks at a vuvuzela-free Eden Park in Auckland.
He accused his opposite number, Graham Henry, of having a big mouth, although he did qualify it with: "He's like me." De Villiers went on to say the Springboks were no longer in awe of the All Blacks and that South Africa had set themselves such high goals that he was afraid of them.
De Villiers was responding to a gibe from Henry, whose side lost all three matches against South Africa last year, thanks in part to a non-functioning lineout, that South Africa played less rugby than New Zealand and Australia, a reference to the kicking game perfected by the Springboks in the aftermath of the experimental law variations.
"We are accused of playing less rugby but we all play for 80 minutes," said De Villiers. "We are never in a comfort zone and we constantly look to improve every game. We have strong characters in the squad and we have set high goals. In fact, I'm quite afraid of the goals we've set."
Questioned later about his remark about the size of Henry's mouth, he said: "I think Henry is a brilliant coach. When I said he was like me and had a big mouth, I meant he was very honest. I've got a job to do and I don't care what people say or think about me. I love myself a lot, hey! As long as I have respect in the team, then I have no problem."
New Zealand may be ranked No1 in the world but South Africa looked to have the more settled and superior side. Only twice have World Cup holders reached the final of the subsequent tournament, Australia in 2003 and England four years later, but neither side was on the up while the Springboks look even stronger than they were in 2007.
Even without Fourie du Preez, Tendai Mtawarira, Juan Smith and Heinrich Brüssow, South Africa have a strong, experienced side. New Zealand welcome back Ma'a Nonu but even with Tony Woodcock and Brad Thorn in residence, they look short in the tight five and will be reliant on Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
