Pullen: Malaysia can do much better

18/02/2002

THE South Africans flew in yesterday and after the traditional kompang
welcome at the Concorde Hotel, their coach Rob Pullen caught everyone
within earshot by surprise when he said: "I am disappointed with the
Malaysian team."
But realising he might be misunderstood, Pullen quickly added that the
reason for his unhappiness is because the Malaysian team has had a bad run
the past two months.
"Malaysia were excellent hosts when we came for the Champions Challenge
(in December) and I would like to see them achieve their best in the World
Cup, but surprisingly, they have had a shaky build-up to the tournament,"
said Pullen.
Malaysia finished fourth in the Champions Challenge and in the recent
Six-Nation, were even beaten by the Japanese and finished last.
"From what I saw during the Champions Challenge, the Malaysians are very
disciplined but didn't look settled. I hope that how they finished in the
earlier tournaments is not an indication of things to come in the World
Cup because I would like to see the hosts do well in their group," said
Pullen.
South Africa are in Group A while Malaysia are in Group B in the World
Cup and the likelihood of the two meeting in the crossover rounds is slim.
On his team's chances, Pullen said they hope to get a respectable middle
placing.
South Africa made their World Cup debut in 1994 in Sydney and finished
10th, ahead of Belgium and Belarus. They did not compete in Utrecht, 1998.
"Our realistic target is eighth but even that will be tough because we
have Germany, Pakistan, Spain and Holland in our group.
"But we have had a good build-up for the World Cup and the target is not
too steep for us."
South Africa played five Test matches against Germany, losing four and
drawing one. And from what he saw, Pullen picks Germany to lift the World
Cup come March 9.
"They (Germany) are the best team that I have seen so far and I pick
them to win the title. My second choice from Group A to make the
semifinals are defending champions Holland."
As for Group B, Pullen picked Australia and India to advance.
And as he hurried away to check into his room for a much-needed rest,
Pullen again said: "I hope for the best for the hosts because they have a
good team and if they click during the tournament, anything can happen in
Group B."
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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