By Kath 3/10/03
October 3 2003

Corne Krige South African Captain, has this week started the media hype rolling. He speaks out about the England team and Martin Johnson.

The England Rugby Team "I don't rate them"  says Corne Krige".

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since England beat South Africa 53 v 3, in that vicious match at Twickenham last Autumn.   

Many claim that England are arrogant, I would dispute that claim and instead level the same claim at the South African Captain Corne Krige for his comments after that defeat by England.  

He said  " because Jannes Labuschagne had been sent off early in the game at Twickenham, it was very difficult to judge how good England are, "but I don't rate them".

Well now how is that statement for arrogance, could you imagine Martin Johnson making a comment like that?  No, Martin Johnson and the England Squad have more sense.

The big match in Pool C - South Africa v England on the 18th October, could be looked upon as a grudge match by South Africa and Corne Krige has already started firing bullets in the press claiming England's Martin Johnson is "one of the dirtiest captains in world rugby". 

What benefit will South Africa get out of these remarks?  If they are trying to wind up the England Camp, they will not succeed.  Clive Woodward's England have gone further down the road to professionalism  and passed South Africa en-route. 

Martin Johnson and England will no doubt have a quite smile at all of these comments, but they will do their talking on the pitch - we can be sure of that!

Time to ring out the charge I feel:-

The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit; and, upon this charge.......
'CRY GOD FOR HARRY ENGLAND AND ST. GEORGE '
Henry V (1599) Act3, Scene 1