There are some Springboks among these Elephants
INTERVIEW: New Eastern Province Elephants coach Peter de Villiers has never been scared to speak his mind.
At times it has landed him in hot water, but often – if you peel back the layers – there’s real substance to his vocalizing.
There may be many who will scoff at the former Springbok coach’s latest augury.
However, he expressed his prophecy with such conviction that you immediately knew he was serious.
De Villiers, after naming his first team since his appointment as the Port Elizabeth-based outfit’s coach, suggested his squad will produce a member or two of Jacques Nienaber’s national squad this year.
Given the almost ‘no-name brand’ nature of the team he named to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, many cynics will dismiss it as De Villiers just being ‘Divvy’.
De Villiers said the players realise they have an opportunity to make a statement in the next month.
“At this stage, the big strength of this team is its spirit,” De Villiers told a media briefing.
He said the players know they are the “custodians” of the game and can revive rugby in this area, “one of the better areas of rugby in South Africa”.
“They understand what we want to achieve, they understand the pressure they are under and if it goes well on Sunday there will be more support for us,” the 63-year-old said.
“They are clued up to the goals of getting this union back to its rightful place in SA rugby.
“They know they must play for each other, play for the union and play for this region.
“My prediction is that we will have one or two players from EP in the Springbok squad this year.
“That will be my biggest achievement.
“It is a big opportunity for all of us.”
Congratulations to newly announced @ep_elephants Captain Innocent ‘Inny’ Radebe 👏🏽👏🏽 This announcement is made ahead of Blue Bulls clash on Sunday 28th February in New Preparation Cup. Sterkte coach @CoachPdV and team. #MightyElephants🐘🏉 #Oongangendlovu pic.twitter.com/DTEae0yUOn
— ThandoManana (@TandoManana) February 24, 2021
Radebe described as “very special” and a “pleasure” the opportunity to take on the captaincy responsibility.
“The group [of players] that we have makes it easy,” the 26-year-old utility back said.
Asked about the team’s underdog status, Radebe said they have not focussed on the other teams, rather on their own game.
“The emphasis has been on the fact that we have a massive opportunity for us to rebuild the brand.”
He added that they have a lot of “really talented” players in the squad who like to have the ball in hand, use their vision and their feet.
“I think we will surprise some people with the way we play.”
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