Pieter Muller believes the Springboks can spoil the party at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
South Africa can be party-poopers, insists former centre
Former South Africa centre Pieter Muller believes the Springboks can spoil the party at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Although few people are looking beyond the All Blacks for the title, Muller is confident that South Africa can create history by retaining the Webb Ellis Trophy.
New Zealand and South Africa look to be on a collision course for a mouth-watering semi-final at Eden Park.
And Muller, who scored a try on his debut against the All Blacks before starring in a 13-3 victory in Wellington in 1998 and the bronze medal success at the Millennium Stadium the following year, sees no reason why the Class of 2011 can't come out on top against their southern hemisphere rivals once again.
"It is going to be difficult but I think there is so much experience in the South Africa side it just depends on the guys getting up for it and performing," the 33-time capped Muller told
skysports.com.
"I think we will be up there again but our only problem will be New Zealand in the semi-finals.
Genius
"South Africa can beat them on home soil as we have shown in the past and in the World Cup, just a small margin or that one moment of genius can win it.
"The All Blacks, though, have to be the favourites although they peaked a year before in the past.
"They have looked great over the past year but on home soil the pressure will really be on them to perform.
"In '95, '99, 2003 and 2007 they never managed it. It can be a hard time being at home but they will just have to view them as another game."
Muller, who missed the victorious cup-winning campaign after suffering a career-threatening neck injury, claims he can't see anyone outside the usual contenders mounting serious challenges in New Zealand despite the success of Argentina four years ago.
Muller, who played for Orange Free State, Natal, Penrith Panthers RL, Toulouse and Cardiff Blues before a stint as director of rugby at Doncaster, added: "Argentina just came together in 2007 and became a great side but I can't see any dark horses emerging this time around.
"England, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - the usual top sides will be there or thereabouts at the end. I can't see anyone outside that making an impact, not even Ireland or Wales."
