Dublin – He has been the IRB Player of the Year and South Africa’s best player, but what Schalk Burger hasn’t achieved is to be part of a winning Springbok team in Ireland.
Burger played in the 2004 clash at Lansdowne Road – the infamous “Paul Honiss Test” – when the Boks went down 17-12, and then in 2009, when the Irish triumphed 15-10 at Croke Park.
Burger scored a try in 2009, and got a yellow card in 2004, but is hopeful that he emerges as a winner in Saturday’s clash at the Aviva Stadium.
“Since I haven’t been involved, the Springboks have got a good record here (winning their last game in 2012)!
The biggest thing is, whenever you play a big game, like this obviously is, you focus on yourself.
“You’ve got to be aware of the opposition, and they are a quality side, but it’s out of your control as they are going to pitch up and play well, especially at home at the start of the November tour,” the 31-year-old said yesterday after being named on the bench.
“So, a big focus for us has been on our own game, trying to improve on areas where we haven’t been good and try to compete in areas where Ireland are good.
“The weather has been really good, so our preparation has gone nicely so far. I think we’ve turned the corner form-wise towards the end of the Rugby Championship.”
Burger plays for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan these days, and while he says his Japanese is “horrible”, he feels that he is in good physical shape as his team play a quick-tempo game that helps with his conditioning.
But he knows it’s going to get rough and tough at the breakdowns on Saturday, and he feels the bench will have a crucial role to play in the second half.
“The breakdown stays the breakdown, and the biggest thing Richie (Gray, Bok breakdown coach) has brought in is accountability.
“There are clearly-defined roles. Everyone has their own technique – I do it differently to, say, Duane Vermeulen – but the emphasis is on dominating the breakdown,” Burger said.
“There are going to be 250-odd rucks on Saturday, so it’s a big part of the game and if you don’t get quick ball, or get disrupted and are not accurate, it spoils your momentum and confidence.
“We have a very experienced and a good bench, and I think Heyneke has confidence in the boys, putting them on and making a difference, and giving them ample opportunity to maybe change a game or win a game.
“So, it’s nice for us sitting on the bench to get gametime, and hopefully we can continue to have a big impact on this November tour.”
And, if the Boks can continue their winning streak on their November tours under Meyer on Saturday, which would result in Burger’s first taste of victory in Ireland, he has a special celebration in mind.
“Hopefully for me, I can get my first win in Dublin. The people in Ireland have always been very friendly, and I have always had a good time in Dublin.
“The Guinness back home in South Africa doesn’t taste as good as it does around here, so I’m quite keen to experience some of the good Guinness here!” - The Star