Monday, 6th August 2007 at 6:08 pm

Andre Watson joins the Boks

Springbok training continues apace in Durban, with the World Cup little over a month away, and Jake White has been roping in expertise from all corners to make sure the team is raring to go in France. Eddie Jones is the most high profile acquisition, replacing Rassie Erasmus as the team’s technical assistant; with interpretation of the game’s laws a murky area at the best of times, however, Monday’s guest might just be one of the most important the Springboks will entertain in the build-up to the World Cup.

Andre Joubert may no longer be actively refereeing, but he’s working closely with the IRB on the art of managing the rules of rugby during a match, and with two World Cup finals under his belt, he’s as experienced voice as the Springboks will have access to before they head for France. With a forward-mounted attack Jake White’s likely plan of action, encounters on the ground and around the fringes will be key…

…and avoiding penalties in those areas hasn’t been a Springbok hallmark on past tours to Europe. Watson will have been clear in his instruction, knowing what will be policed with particular attention during the tournament; another tick checked off on the list of preparations for France. One last month to go; Feverpitcher’s World Cup anticipation grows by the day.