We didnt come to lose says

Fourie Du Preez. Ex Supersport

The Springbok mantra has been summed up by captain Fourie du Preez in one strong sentence – We didn’t come to the World Cup to lose in a semifinal.

Du Preez was speaking ahead of the Rugby World Cup showdown with the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday for a place in next week’s final, and showed the focus of the Bok talisman as they head into what he calls “the biggest game of my career.”

Coming from a World Cup winner that is quite a statement but it also shows the challenge facing the Boks against a rampant World Champion All Black side and what they will need to do when they get on the field.

The Boks have looked more relaxed this week – perhaps because they know what to expect or know the All Blacks so well, but Du Preez contends it is still the same as in the previous five weeks before.

“The pressure is precisely the same as all the other weeks since we lost to Japan. We didn’t come to the World Cup to lose in a semifinal,” Du Preez said.

“We were happy to get through the quarterfinals, especially as we lost in 2011, it was very emotional to get through that but the pressure is still the same.”

Du Preez makes a fundamental difference to the Boks when they play and has a remarkable record – considering New Zealand’s dominance in recent times – of seven victories in 12 games against the All Blacks.

This, says assistant coach Johan van Graan, underlines his importance to the team.

"He has always had big games against them," Van Graan said at the captain’s press conference on Friday.

"He is awesome in every game. He is composed under pressure, he has belief in himself and the ability to see things others don't see. A talent can hit a target nobody else can hit but a genius can hit a target no-one else can see. And that is Fourie du Preez."

Du Preez certainly is the heart and soul of the side at the moment, and is guiding them in the right direction. A quiet, thoughtful player who rarely talks, he knows how to guide his side forward and has an impeccable kicking game.

The Boks somehow look a lot more dangerous when he is around as well. His kicking game is peerless in South Africa, and his game management are his key elements.

On Saturday Aaron Smith may be a lot more nippy and have an energy that few will match in world rugby, but Du Preez has that calmness and experience that make him a dangerous opponent.

And if he is determined to take the Boks home, it will filter down to his teammates, and that – from a South African point of view – may be the best thing of all for the Boks in a game that they are heavy underdogs for.

The ORC hunting season is NOW offcially open!  Hahahahahahhahahahaha

Beeno your reputation as a hunter is not a good one

Some would say he's not firing on all cylinders 

Fortunately JW  your  pic cant be viewed. Most fortunate.
Well I hope fear and trembling doesnt keep the wee abs up all night - their fasn as well.Meanwhile The Boks and most of their fans are relaxed as they should be given the opposition.  

 Glad you are confident Beeno, we are waiting for your prediction. We mean as it will appear on the scoreboard not based on the Beeno RAW "adjustments" 
Your credibility will take a serious hit if you don't man up

 I have given my prediction and qualifications already JW.

 Beeno, Click here to provide your semi-final predictions

 JW my pedictions are a 15 point win by the Boks provided Meyer adopts a sensible game plan, there is a competent ref and wee matfiled comes on very late in the game if at all.
I suspect those understanding the game will understand why these qualifications are necessary.

 Beeno, I have posted your prediction to the other thread so CleverMike can record it. You need to provide a prediction for the Oz vs. Argie game.
PS Please also provide predictions for Storming Ed

 For the last 4years we have endured "the ABs have never won a RWC outside NZ", "the 2011 RWC win was a fluke". Bring it on Beeno I say.

 Hi Hakwa, ABs looking good