The recently disappointing performances of the Springbok squad have divided support, and one would think morale and enthusiasm for them would be at an all time low.
That isn't the case here in Grahamstown though, with locals like Manie Cronje who is such an enthusiastic Bok supporter that he organises trips to high profile rugby games all over the country.
This Saturday's Tri-Nations match between the Boks and New Zealand will be no different, and Cronje has the game in Port Elizabeth firmly in his sights.
The recently disappointing performances of the Springbok squad have divided support, and one would think morale and enthusiasm for them would be at an all time low.
That isn't the case here in Grahamstown though, with locals like Manie Cronje who is such an enthusiastic Bok supporter that he organises trips to high profile rugby games all over the country.
This Saturday's Tri-Nations match between the Boks and New Zealand will be no different, and Cronje has the game in Port Elizabeth firmly in his sights.
Cronje, who is a teacher at PJ Olivier High School, told Grocott's Mail that "the Springboks have played three times in Port Elizabeth in their history, and they have won everything [there]so we are confident that come this Saturday, we going to beat the All Blacks."
He adds in defense of the team's recent performance that, "the injuries that plagued the team have contributed to their bad performances."
Despite dismail public expectations of the Springboks, this teacher still believes they're on the right track to defend their Web Ellis trophy later on in the year at the Rugby World Cup.
Manie will be taking a group from local business, R&S plumbers, and a few locals down to The Bay this coming weekend.
Coming into the match the Springboks have made seven changes to the squad, and five to the starting 15 since their previous match against Australia, played in Durban last weekend.
There were recalls for flyhalf Morné Steyn, looseforward Willem Alberts, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loosehead prop Gurthrö Steenkamp. Patrick Lambie replaces the injured Frans Steyn as fullback.
The other changes on the bench are CJ van der Linde, who was recalled as one of two props named in a five-two split, while Ashley Johnson replaces Jean Deysel. Tendai Mtawarira, Danie Rossouw and Butch James are also among the replacements. Gio Aplon, Jean Deysel and Gerhard Mostert drop out of the match's 22.
