Perth, Oct 06: South Africa's rugby team gets a big welcome on arrival in Perth ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
South Africa's Rugby World Cup squad enjoyed a second home-coming when they touched down in Perth on Sunday (October 5). About 200 Springbok fans gave the 1995 World Cup champions a rousing reception on arrival from Johannesburg. The Springboks have thrived in front of a significant expatriate population in Perth in recent times. South African coach Rudolf Straeuli was delighted to be in Australia ahead of the Springboks' opening match in Pool C against easybeats Uruguay on Saturday at Subiaco Oval.
"The pressures will be there on any team just like it is on New Zealand, England, South Africa, I would say just maybe a bit more so on England not by their spectators but on themselves. You have seen comments made by Jonny Wilkinson and Clive Woodward and them so I think they are putting a lot of pressure on themselves", Straeuli said. South Africa are taking a 'nothing to lose' attitude into Rugby World Cup 2003 after a disappointing year of Test match results.


While the Springboks had good news on the injury front with half backs Neil de Kock and Louis Koen cleared to travel to Australia, captain Corne Krige said no one expects South Africa to do well.


Notable defeats by France, Scotland, England and New Zealand in the past 12 months have had an unexpected impact on the South African campaign, dampening expectations on the usually pressurised Springbok camp.


Bureau Report