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Springboks put boot into Hamilton's image
Duncan Johnstone, Stuff.co.nz | September 8, 2009 - 9:54AM
South African coach Peter de Villiers has explained his side's late arrival in New Zealand this week, saying "there is nothing in Hamilton" and adding that they want to stay away from negative reporting ahead of Saturday's crucial tri Nations clash with the All Blacks.
The Boks have snubbed Hamilton's first hosting of a test of this magnitude, only arriving in the city late on Thursday.
They have decided to do the bulk of their preparations on the Gold Coast, staying in Queensland after being beaten by the Wallabies in Brisbane last Saturday night – a result that has put pressure on them to get the job done against the All Blacks this weekend.
De Villiers believes the atmosphere around Surfer's Paradise will keep his players fresher than being in the centre of the Waikato.
"There is nothing in Hamilton. Hotel fatigue can kick in and the guys can lose interest very quickly and they might start thinking of going home already," de Villiers told media when asked to explain his reasoning.
"So I decided to bring them here to keep them interested so that they can be fresh when we get to New Zealand on Thursday.
"We will only know afterwards if we did the right or wrong thing. One thing I am always aware of is not to tire the guys out psychologically.
The Springboks are also keen to stay out of the New Zealand spotlight, realising the intense interest on this test.
The All Blacks have lost twice to the Boks in South Africa in this campaign and now they have been thrown a Tri Nations lifeline by the Wallabies, meaning an even bigger focus on a test that is sold out.
"It is also quite nice to be around positive reporting," said de Villiers.
"We don't need to be in situations where people want to bring our players down. By staying here at the Gold Coast it will add to the positivity that needs to be instilled in our player's preparation."
De Villiers has already sensed a lift in his team and believes they will be in the right frame of mind to take on the All Blacks.
"They will always be disappointed when they lose," he said of his players' reaction to their 21-6 defeat by the Wallabies.
"However, there is still a positive vibe in the group. There's a new energy flowing through them and I like it. I didn't see it last week and I know they will stand up for themselves this week."
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