The Captain's Run on the stadium last night Thursday was to quote Michael Jones 'exceptional'. He said it was crisp and focussed with a minimum of errors. The boys must have enjoyed it as they sang all the 30 minutes it took to get back to the Hotel. They were in a jubilant mood with joking and horse-play.

The ground conditions and the dry fine weather have contributed to a great week of training. The same conditions have been enjoyed also by the Springboks who must be building up a storm. With the preparations done it is now time to remain relaxed but focussed. Our Hotel is at the Entrance, which

is a narrow gap between the Ocean and a huge seaside lake. It is an ideal place to relax. The setting with marine birds and a huge resident flock of pelicans is almost ideally suitable to wait for the test.

After lunch on Wednesday the boys wowed an audience of several hundred people with an impromptu show led by Dominic Fonoti. They sang a couple of songs and because the audience was so great they continue for more than a half-hour. This was then followed by session of autograph signing.

The feeling in the camp is buoyant although apprehensive of the outcome of tomorrow's match. The players and management so very much want to complete the tour on a high note for the sake of their supporters - families, friends and countrymen and women. To the fore of their thinking are their wives, children and parents.

The team knows the task ahead is an awesome challenge and after the great showing on tour we are no longer underdogs despite our own assessment of our position. The commentators on the rugby show on television are picking a Pacific Islanders win. Frankly this is something we could do without. We

much prefer the David and Goliath scenario and given the Springboks history and their recent form wins against 6 nation teams I believe our view of ourselves is closer to reality.

I wish to quote from my last report as it did not get to everyone and it is still quite relevant:

The big question remains - will the boys be able rise once again to match the Springboks? Without doubt this is the biggest ask of any team ever in the history of rugby. To play the the 3 SANZAR supremos in successive weeks must be a world first. To do it with such credibility is so hard to believe and to think the team assembled for the first time on 13 June and on their first game on 20 June could not even field a full bench. Can they step up again another level to complete the unbelievable? Have they got anymore

reserve in the tank? Who would have guessed how far they have already come?

Philip Muller

Manager