On the playing fields of Scotland

I'm in Bloemfontein today so just in case you're
wondering I phoned all these details through.

Before I start I would just like to say that I'm here
for Os du Randt's benefit dinner and consider it
an honour and a privilege to have been invited.

How many players in world rugby can claim to
have been part of two different World Cup
winning teams? In the case of Os being a
Springbok as well, makes this extra special.

I'm sure that everyone connected with the game
and South Africa wishes Os all the very best for
the future.

SARLA in Scotland

We've just returned from a South African Rugby
Legends Association tour to Scotland. Sarla
does an enormous amount of work for SA grass roots
and it always fascinates me to read articles
asking me to get involved in assisting at this level.

I am and always will be involved at grass roots level
only the depth varies from time to time.

More importantly I played in the match between
the SA Legends against the Scottish Legends.
My first appearance for our lot.

We managed to beat them by 40 points to
twenty something but surprisingly I wasn't
awarded the man of the match.

If I find a bone in my body that is not still
hurting I'll let you know. Amazing how you
forget how difficult simple things like
breathing can become when you've been out
for a while.

We played the game at St Andrews University
and it was great to team up with Japie Mulder,
Breyton Paulse and the rest.

Joost was captain, Ian MacIntosh coach and I
was the playing-coach. Oh and before I forget
I was playing flank.

TRI-NATIONS

The All Blacks were vindicated for sticking with
coach Graham Henry.

Having lost the World Cup there was intense
pressure to bring in a new coach.

Despite losing between 8-9 of their star
players and a poor start with losses against
both South Africa and Australia, Henry's
wealth of experience saw this young
side through.

In terms of continuity and settling the
new players into the system experience
is vital as it proved.

In the end they were worthy winners
and we must learn from them.

Experience is crucial at this level.

CURRIE CUP

One of the most exciting years that I can
remember with all 5 top teams still in
with a chance of the semi-finals.

All of them are benefiting from the
return of their Springboks and it's going
to take a brave man to bet against any of
them.

It is a testimony to the depth of talent
we have in South African rugby today.

FINALLY

If I can get off this bed I'm off to what
should be a great benefit dinner.

Keep supporting the game.

Jake White speaking to Mail & Guardian's Mike Trapido