Vincent Koch and Steven Kitshoff of the Springboks during the Rugby Championship test match between South Africa and Australia held at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on the 1st October 2016.
Photo by: Dominic Barnardt/ RealTime Images
Rugby: Koch believes Boks can win World Cup
Springbok prop, Vincent Koch believes the men in green and gold can launch a solid challenge for a third Rugby World Cup title.
Vincent Koch and Steven Kitshoff of the Springboks during the Rugby Championship test match between South Africa and Australia held at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on the 1st October 2016.
Photo by: Dominic Barnardt/ RealTime Images
Saracens and Springboks prop, Vincent Koch believes South Africa can go all the way and claim a third World Cup title in Japan later in the year.
The men in green and gold have been placed in a tough pool which includes three-time world champions and current title holders New Zealand.
Speaking to The Rugby Paper, Koch – who was part of the Boks’ 2018 campaign – said his compatriots have what it takes to be a threat in the first World Cup held in Asia.
“At the moment it looks pretty open, and when you look at the Six Nations and Wales winning a Grand Slam, a number of teams could potentially win it.
“South Africa will be at their best. Rassie Erasmus has brought something to us, and we will definitely be right up there.”
Vincent Koch
Having been sidelined by SA Rugby’s rule which only allowed overseas-based Boks with 30 caps and above to be selected for the national team. It was scrapped early in 2018 and the 12-Test veteran said he was delighted to be back in the fold.
“It was amazing to be involved again.
“I didn’t think it would happen for me, but there was definitely a different vibe to the squad. Rassie has brought something different, and he’s given a lot more freedom to the players than before.
“That’s earned a lot of respect, and there’s a much better atmosphere in the camp.”
Vincent Koch
Erasmus’ first year in charge was one filled with highs and lows, the most notable of the former being the shock win against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Koch is hoping the Boks can emulate that feat in the biggest stage, and is aiming to be part of the team that will do battle against the world champions.
“We’re building, and nothing will be bigger than our first game in Japan against New Zealand, but hopefully we can pull through that group and then fully focus on the rest.
“At the moment I’m just enjoying playing for Saracens, but my goal is to definitely play at the World Cup and be part of the 23 that faces New Zealand. Our guys will be pumped up for it, and I’m convinced we can have a very good World Cup.”
Vincent Koch
The Rugby World Cup will begin on 20 September with the final taking place on Saturday, 2 November.
