SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers has worked hard to fix the defensive lapses that allowed the All Blacks to score four tries in last weekend's 33-11 loss at Eden Park, ahead of tomorrow's clash at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers has worked hard to fix the defensive lapses that allowed the All Blacks to score four tries in last weekend's 33-11 loss at Eden Park, ahead of tomorrow's clash at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Jean de Villiers, playing in the less familiar role of wing, was cruelly exposed by the opposition as they created overlaps and gaps to exploit at will.
But De Villiers believes it was a lapse by the team overall, rather than an individual.
"We gave the All Blacks too much space to play and did not close them down effectively," he told Sowetan from Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday.
"We have worked on this in the week and we expect a great improvement.
"We pride ourselves on our defence and we will make sure it is better."
Leaving naming his line-up to the last minute due to injury concerns, All Black coach Graham Henry yesterday announced two changes to his starting line-up from last week.
Out go Joe Rokokoko (hamstring) and Jimmy Cowan (abdominal strain) to be replaced by Rene Ranger and Piri Weepu respectively.
The forward pack, which played so well against the Boks, remains unchanged and they will again be looking to exploit the frailties they found in the opposition last Saturday.
De Villiers believes his boys will be up to the challenge.
"The guys know that they let themselves down last week and they are determined to do better on Saturday. There was good energy this week and the guys are looking relaxed.
"Training has gone well and everyone is positive," said the coach.
l The match will be shown live on SuperSport 1. Kickoff is at 9.30am SA time.
boks try to plug the leaks
SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers has worked hard to fix the defensive lapses that allowed the All Blacks to score four tries in last weekend's 33-11 loss at Eden Park, ahead of tomorrow's clash at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
SPRINGBOK coach Peter de Villiers has worked hard to fix the defensive lapses that allowed the All Blacks to score four tries in last weekend's 33-11 loss at Eden Park, ahead of tomorrow's clash at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Jean de Villiers, playing in the less familiar role of wing, was cruelly exposed by the opposition as they created overlaps and gaps to exploit at will.
But De Villiers believes it was a lapse by the team overall, rather than an individual.
"We gave the All Blacks too much space to play and did not close them down effectively," he told Sowetan from Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday.
"We have worked on this in the week and we expect a great improvement.
"We pride ourselves on our defence and we will make sure it is better."
Leaving naming his line-up to the last minute due to injury concerns, All Black coach Graham Henry yesterday announced two changes to his starting line-up from last week.
Out go Joe Rokokoko (hamstring) and Jimmy Cowan (abdominal strain) to be replaced by Rene Ranger and Piri Weepu respectively.
The forward pack, which played so well against the Boks, remains unchanged and they will again be looking to exploit the frailties they found in the opposition last Saturday.
De Villiers believes his boys will be up to the challenge.
"The guys know that they let themselves down last week and they are determined to do better on Saturday. There was good energy this week and the guys are looking relaxed.
"Training has gone well and everyone is positive," said the coach.
l The match will be shown live on SuperSport 1. Kickoff is at 9.30am SA time.