The expression “cutting off your own nose to spite your face” comes to mind when I think of the conundrum South African rugby faces ahead of the Tri Nations. Let me explain.
I recently read that the South African Minister of Sport, Mr Makhenkesi Stofile, told Peter de Villiers to “sober up” or risk getting the sack.
The Minister of Sport then went on and said that De Villiers was fortunate to have won the British and Irish Lions series 2-1 because, taken along with his perchant for silly statements, failure would have seen him get the sack.
The words, ‘SACK’ and ‘PETER DE VILLIERS’ instantly hit home, and I thought, wait a minute: You’re telling me the more the ‘Boks succeed, the longer we have Peter de Villiers?
Spot the conundrum? Failure doesn’t look so bad from this angle if you’re a Bok fan, does it?
Taken to it’s logical extreme, I’m left wondering if the All Blacks or Wallabies will be able to take any credit and satisfaction from whatever victories they achieve this season. South Africa have a handy plausible escape built into this year Tri Nations, thanks to Peter de Villiers.
I can ever remember having such a luxury going in the Tri Nations. It’s the perfect WIN-WIN, no lose situation. I knew there was a reason I loved Peter de Villiers!
South Africa are the best team in 2009. If they don’t prove it in the Tri Nations, we’ll all know why.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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