JOHANNESBURG // Despite a belief that the Springboks may have over-invested in beating the British and Irish Lions recently, South African captain John Smit insists that they will be giving it all when they attempt to topple Tri Nations champions New Zealand in Bloemfontein next weekend.
The All Blacks have won the last four tournaments and there is pressure on South Africa and Australia to now crash the party.
The trouble for the Boks may be that the Lions series was such an enormous goal - they threw all their energy and emotion into avenging the 1997 series defeat - that motivation may be an issue in a tournament that has become routine.
Not that Smit believes it. "We are the favourites, according to the experts, and we very much want to live up to that expectation," he said. "It is going to be one heck of a series.
"I think the Wallabies are going to be much better than people think and the All Blacks will get their act together; they always do, especially with Richie McCaw back from injury."
A number of factors favour the Boks: their first three matches are at home; the Lions win would have boosted confidence levels; and a number of exciting new players have emerged, chiefly flanker Heinrich Brussow and fly-half Morne Steyn.
But it's not all sunshine and roses. The way the Boks capitulated in the final Test against the Lions, when they appeared uncoached and uneasy in the face of the Lions' physical onslaught and direct running, suggests a fault line that may extend to the coach's bizarre public relations style.
At best, Peter de Villiers is eccentric; at worst he is an embarrassment to the world champions and the country he represents.
He appeared to accept that the Boks were not at their best in recent weeks.
"We have much more to offer," he said this week.
There are other worries to trouble de Villiers.
The Bok pack is an inconsistent force, Ruan Pienaar's form is equally capricious and, for all the quality in the backs, there was little evidence of their creativity in recent weeks. Many reputations have taken a knock.
The Boks must also do without the primal force that is Schalk Burger for much of the tournament.
He's sitting out an eight-week suspension for eye-gouging.
Sadly, the mood is less expectant and more guarded. The Boks, you feel, were lucky to escape against the Lions with a series win.
Lightning surely cannot strike twice.
cvanderberg@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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Keane on …
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
SPECS
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The%20specs
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed