Burger worried about undercooked Boks

Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger has expressed worry over the current state of his old team as the series against the British & Irish Lions inches nearer. 

Burger was speaking in terms of the Springboks’ lack of match-practice ahead of the challenge of Warren Gatland’s charges. 

“I don’t doubt that the Boks will be super-competitive, but I’m scared for them not being Test match savvy and sharp when the pressure comes on,” Burger told the Daily Mail. 

“Not a lot has been said in the build-up about the scrum and, for me; that is going to be the main area of contention either way,’ he said. ‘If we dominate the scrum, the Lions will be struggling. We have two phenomenal front rows and the scrum is such a big part of the Boks’ psyche. They will be patient. Even if it takes 60 or 70 minutes to gain that ascendancy, they will be going for it.” 

The Springbok players put smiles on the faces of their fans last week Wednesday when, in the SA A jerseys, they dominated the Lions 17-13 in Cape Town in what was dubbed an unofficial fourth test.  

However, in the test match arena, there is no substitute for experience, and Burger raises a valid point, especially considering how they slacked off somewhat in the second half, not managing to add any more points to their first half tally. 

The physicality of the Boks visibly shook their opponents in the opening exchanges of the match, however, giving hints that the much-talked about brutality of the 2009 series may be replicated.  

In light of everything, there is much to look forward to with both teams having had to overcome a myriad of obstacles in the lead-up to the series but, as things stand, they will indeed meet on the pitch where a juicy contest will be savoured by the rugby world.