Ralepelle: Lesson for Boks

Ralepelle: Says new boys have lessons to learn

One of the biggest disappointments for me is that we were all waiting for one man to create some magic

Chiliboy Ralepelle
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South Africa captain Chiliboy Ralepelle believes the team's defeat to Guinness Premiership champions Leicester will have taught the new players a harsh lesson.

A motivated Tigers squad beat the world champions and Tri-Nations winners 22-17, no doubt buoyed by the 24,000 attendance at Welford Road, which was boosted by the official opening of the new 10,000 capacity Caterpillar Stand.

The Springboks fielded all nine of their uncapped players from the 37-man touring party in the first warm-up match ahead of their autumn Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

The plan backfired, however, when Leicester's Lucas Amorosino secured the crucial try of the game, only seven minutes after Ralepelle's exit from the action with a recurring ankle problem.

"It can't get worse from here," said Ralepelle. "It's a challenge for our youngsters as it was very new to play in these conditions.

"They have to learn that when you play away from home it's never easy. Leicester came at us very hard and were much more prepared than we were, I believe.

"We always knew the Leicester pack were going to be tough up front. They pride themselves on that in club rugby. But we let ourselves down in that department. I'm part of the pack so I include myself in that.

"One of the biggest disappointments for me is that we were all waiting for one man to create some magic.

"At this level you can't wait for someone to do that. If you can't do it yourself it's best that you sit at home."

The only remaining player from the full-strength Springbok side that defeated New Zealand in the Tri-Nations final was Odwa Ndungane, with some of the fresh faces that appeared now possibilities to start against France in Toulouse.

But assistant coach and former Springbok centre Dick Muir insists the defeat will not raise questions about those on the edge of international selection.

Depth

"We know we have a lot of depth in South African rugby," said Muir. "We're a proud nation and sometimes you learn a little bit more from a loss than a win.

"If anything, there's probably a greater appreciation for what the Premiership has to offer. It was interesting to see some Kiwis (Leicester captain Aaron Mauger) singing the English anthem.

"Whenever you lose your captain you lose your way a bit, but our front row will have to take a long look at themselves."

Leicester's win held even more weight given that they were missing five England players, and eight more through injury and unavailability.

Veteran All Black Mauger, who moved to fly-half to make room for a teenage centre pairing in Manu Tuilagi and Andy Forsyth, echoed Muir's sentiments that Leicester's remarkable performance confirmed the quality of the Guinness Premiership.

Mauger expressed his contempt for comments made by compatriot and Wales head coach Warren Gatland that this season's Premiership was "the weakest he had ever seen since he came to the northern hemisphere".

"We don't really agree with some of the comments being put around about the Premiership being a weak competition," said Mauger.

"It's tough, week in, week out. Even Leeds and Worcester can beat anyone.

"We've always had a strong system with Academy players coming through to the senior ranks, and we had a full mix of that.

"The centres were awesome. Manu was always going to bring that physicality to the game but he and Andrew were very composed during the game.

"All the guys kept talking to them and got them through. They both have big futures in the game."