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PARIS - South Africa coach Jake White said that his side's 36-0 whitewash of world champions England here on Saturday (NZ time) was their biggest win for the squad since he took over in 2004.
White said that this had been the match they had been talking about as a group since the draw was made two years ago and even surpassed the 2004 Tri Nations title the Springboks took in his first season in charge.
"This is the biggest victory we have had as a group," said White, who has brought a lot of the players he coached to the 2002 Under-21 world championship into the fold.
"There has been a lot of talk about it since the draw was made two years ago and this is really pleasing."
White, who almost lost his job in the middle of last autumn's northern hemisphere tour before saving it with a win over England at Twickenham, said it had been a victory under difficult circumstances.
"I am delighted because it has been a tough week losing Schalk Burger to suspension (he received a two match ban for a dangerous tackle) and Jean de Villiers (a tournament ending injury).
"We only had four days to turn things around after the Samoa game (59-7) And three tries to none is very pleasing."
White, though, refused to crow over inflicting what was a record World Cup defeat for the English and the Springboks fourth in a row over them.
They also ended England's unbeaten World Cup run dating back to ironically South Africa's 44-21 defeat of them at the Stade de France in the 1999 World Cup quarter-finals.
"I think we must take things into context," said White, who was in charge for his 48th test.
"The English media built them up all week into a very good team with a big match in them.
"Well if you lose one fly-half and then another and select Andy Farrell who has little or no experience in the role then you are going to struggle."
His England counterpart Brian Ashton paid South Africa the ultimate compliment.
"They are one of the two best sides in the world at the moment," said the shellshocked England handler.
For South Africa captain John Smit it was a really pleasant sensation after being part of the side that lost so humbly to England four years ago at the group stage.
"The most satisfying thing is seeing the zero on the other side of the scoreboard," said Smit, who is the Springboks most capped hooker and has captained them a record amount of times.
"Before we have waned after the first-half but the talk in the dressing room was outstanding and we stuck to our task."
There was no doubt in Smit's mind where the credit lay for the seeds of this victory.
"Our preparation is chalk and cheese to 2003," said Smit, referring to the army camp where they prepared for the 2003 edition which made them a laughing stock even before the tournament started.
"Its been a long road and credit to the group but mostly to Jake, even though it has taken its toll on his hairline," he added laughing.
- AFP
