IRB U21 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

News

'Baby Boks' back to their best

Friday 23rd June 2006

'We are under no illusion about the challenge we face'

The 'Baby Boks', of South Africa, received a timely boost with the news that coach Peter de Villiers will be able to pick his best team to play France in the final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Marcel Michelin, Clermond-Ferrand, in France on Sunday.

"The medical team has done full medical assessments on all the players after the game and again on Thursday morning," De Villiers said.

"The three players who left the field with injuries [in the semi-final win over New Zealand], Chilliboy Ralepelle, Bradley Barritt and Isma-eel Dollie, will all be fit and ready to play in the final.

"I expect even a tougher encounter against the French team. They have the added motivation of a fanatic and passionate home crowd and that alone can be an added 5 to 10 points.

"We are under no illusion about the challenge we face.

"We will definitely have to raise our game to a higher level if we are to successfully defend our title on Sunday."