“They have taken their chances. Whether they get a late penalty or bonus point try at the end. That has kept them going.”
White, a keen observer, if not devotee of tradition, is enthused by the prospect of seeing many Springboks going head-to-head at a packed Loftus Versfeld.
There is now the real prospect of tight heads Wilco Louw and Frans Malherbe leaving their fingerprints on proceedings for the Bulls and the Stormers respectively on Saturday. “Wilco is ready to go,” White confirmed.
Last week Stormers head coach John Dobson suggested Malherbe might be in action this week having not played since last year’s Rugby World Cup final. Assistant coach Rito Hlongwane brought that prospect a little closer to reality when he said earlier this week Malherbe has a role to play on Saturday, adding his presence has lifted the players at training.
White said he has a fit squad but there are a few niggles he does not want to risk. “We have rotated guys who have done well and pushed each other. People don’t just walk in and play.”
On that score he used the example of Springbok utility back Canan Moodie, who was available to play a few weeks ago but was kept waiting in the wings.
“We played another wing. It worked. Now Canan can’t wait to play. He realises there is competition for his jersey.”
