Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
In yet another extraordinary case of classic Peter de Villiers foot-in-mouth rugby-speak, the eccentric Springbok coach has suggested that his All Blacks opposite Graham Henry has a big mouth.
The rent-a-quote Bok mentor (who once compared himself to Jesus) had the temerity to quip that Henry was "a good coach, but he's like me, he has a big mouth".
De Villiers was apparently livid after hearing Henry and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw say the South Africans "played less rugby" than New Zealand and Australia and would "be forced out of their comfort zone" during their three-match Australasian tour.
''I don't understand what they mean by playing less rugby. We all play for 80 minutes. And we are never in a comfort zone. We try to improve week by week, even if it's just by half-a-percent," said de Villiers.
Never one to let sleeping dogs lie, ‘DIV' went on to say the Boks were no longer in awe of the No 1 ranked All Blacks.
"We fear no one, but we respect everyone," he said.
"We have found the strong characters in our squad and we have set high goals. In fact, I'm quite afraid of the goals we've set."
While only the man himself knows what that last statement is supposed to mean, the Boks enter Saturday night's opening Tri Nations test against the All Blacks in Auckland as defending series champions and World Cup holders.
The New Zealand TAB has the South Africans as slight favourites to defend their title, although the All Blacks are favoured to kick off the 2010 tournament with a victory at Eden Park.

DESPERATE DEANS WIELDS AXE

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has fired a warning shot to his established stars by axing wings Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner from the squad to contest this year's Tri Nations.
Mitchell and Turner are among six players who have been dropped after featuring in Australia's home test programme, with halfback Josh Valentine, props Pek Cowan and Laurie Weeks and hooker Huia Edmonds also missing the cut.
Other points of interest include the naming of four new caps – lock Rob Simmons, lock/loose forward Ben McCalman, loose forward Scott Higginbotham and centre Anthony Faingaa – and the return of experienced front rowers Benn Robinson and Stephen Moore.
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RUGBY IN SOCCER CITY

Rugby is coming to Soccer City.
The South African Rugby Union have confirmed their Tri Nations clash against the All Blacks on August 21 will be played at the National Stadium, which will host this Sunday's Fifa Football World Cup final between Holland and Spain.
The iconic venue, which seats 88,791, will be the biggest Springbok test in 55 years when an estimated 95,000 attended third test between the Boks and British Lions at Ellis Park in 1955.
"This is an historic day and one in which the whole of South Africa can celebrate," said SARU president Oregan Hoskins. "Taking the Springboks to what is already an iconic world venue gives our players and supporters the best stage on which to enjoy rugby.
"But it also allows us to continue the nation building through sport that we have enjoyed throughout the FIFA World Cup."
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VUVUZELA KICKED TO TOUCH

Spectators attending or watching this Saturday's Tri Nations clash between the All Blacks and the Springboks need not worry – the controversial vuvuzela has been banned from Eden Park.
And other venues around New Zealand are looking at imposing similar bans on the controversial instrument.
Fifa have allowed the use of the long plastic horn – which produces a loud, distinctive monotone note – at the Football World Cup after deeming is part of South African sporting culture, despite the constant drone raising the ire of fans, players, coaches and broadcasters.
But in an announcement that will be music to the ears of many, officials at Eden Park have said they will be confiscated at this weekend's sold-out test match.
"There are 25,000 people expected to turn up to the test match this weekend and any vuvuzelas brought to the venue will be confiscated," said Eden Park chief executive David Kennedy.
The venue for the second test between the two sides, Wellington's Westpac Stadium, have also banned the vuvuzela, while AMI Stadium would make a decision before the August 7 Bledisloe Cup test.

DU PLESSIS JOINS REBELS

The Melbourne Rebels have signed Sydney Roosters teenage star JP Du Plessis for next year's Super 15.
Du Plessis played junior level rugby in his native South Africa, where his performances caught the eye of international scouts.
He linked up with the Sydney Roosters to develop his game, but has turned his back on league after struggling to crack the first grade team in the NRL.
"I miss rugby union, I've played it all my life and I'm looking forward to playing it again. I've really enjoyed my experience with rugby league, but can't wait to play Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels," said du Plessis on his return to the 15-man game.
The 19-year-old, who was touted as a future Springbok, is one of three new recruits, with Australian sevens representative Nicholas Phipps and Brumbies academy star Hugh Pyle also putting pen to paper.
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CANNON'S SON IN CRITICAL CONDITION

The 16-month-old son of Brendon Cannon is still in critical condition after the former Wallaby hooker accidentally backed his four-wheel drive over him on Sunday.
The incident occurred at his Sherwood home in Brisbane when Samuel suddenly ran over to the vehicle after seeing his brother Joseph and sister Phoebe getting into the car.
The toddler suffered two fractured legs and internal injuries and was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
In a statement, Cannon and his wife Fiona thanked and acknowledged the support and well wishes they had received from the community.
"Given the circumstances, this is obviously an extremely trying time for our family. We've been overwhelmed by the support and actions of the doctors and nurses at the Royal Children's Hospital, I cannot praise them enough," the statement read.
Another former Wallaby hooker, Phil Kearns, accidentally ran over his daughter Adie in the drive of his Sydney home in 2005.

FOUR CHANGES TO ABs XV

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made four changes to his starting line-up for the opening Tri Nations clash against the Springboks at Eden Park this weekend.
Owen Franks returns to tighthead prop, while wing Joe Rokocoko resumes his position on the left.
In the midfield, Ma'a Nonu returns from his knee injury at second five, with Conrad Smith, who has recovered from his eye injury, outside him in the No 13 jersey.
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ROONEY TO PLAY FOR MAGPIES

Former Australian rugby league rep and Penrith star Luke Rooney will ply his trade with Hawke's Bay in this year's ITM Cup.
The six-test Kangaroos league international, who has spent the past two years playing for Toulon in the French Top 14, will hone his skills with the Magpies before linking up with the Melbourne Rebels in next year's Super 15.
His signing comes after Hawke's Bay tried unsuccessfully to court fellow league recruit Sonny Bill Williams.
"Luke has an impressive pedigree in both rugby league and rugby union and will add real star quality to our ITM Cup squad. His ability to cover centre, wing or fullback will considerably enhance our squad for 2010," Magpies coach Peter Russell said.
The utility back joins halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, first five Dan Kirkpatrick and prop Anthony Perenise as new additions to the Hawke's Bay ITM Cup squad.