COWLEY SAYS BOKS MUST PLAY SMARTER RUGBY

Legendary Eastern Province flyhalf and television commentator Gavin Cowley says the Springboks’ biggest challenge in the countdown to the IRB Rugby World Cup is that other teams are outsmarting them.

“It’s not that they have better players than us,” said Cowley, who will be in Port Elizabeth as master of ceremonies at the Madibaz Bok Banter event at NMMU on September 3.

“We continue to churn out great players . . . but it is vital for us to have the right mix of youth and experience at a World Cup – and we have to play smarter rugby.”

To this end, Cowley said the inclusion of Springbok captain Jean de Villiers in the squad – either as a player or as non-playing captain – was important.

“He’s a natural leader, a man of great courage and fortitude and his experience is vital at a major event.

“He’s definitely a little rusty, and injury-prone as we know, however I am a big supporter of his ability.”

Cowley said Victor Matfield, who captained the side against Argentina last week, was another vital, experienced cog in the SA rugby machine.

“Technically, if you can dominate the set pieces and be competitive in the rucks and mauls, you will win more matches than you lose.

“Matfield is still the best lineout forward in the world and even though he might not play 80 minutes, I believe that he can still be a factor on the field.”

Cowley said the Bok Banter event would showcase not only the upcoming Rugby World Cup but also celebrate rugby successes over the years at the university.