Jacques Nienaber

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said the British & Irish Lions outplayed the world champions in the second half by dominating the aerial battle. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

Springboks feature | A wounded Bok side is one the most dangerous sides in world rugby

The Springboks host the British & Irish Lions in a MUST-win encounter on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium at 18:00.

Jacques Nienaber

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said the British & Irish Lions outplayed the world champions in the second half by dominating the aerial battle. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

The Springboks host the British & Irish Lions in a MUST-win encounter on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium at 18:00.

The Boks have to win this game, there is no other option for Jacques Nienaber’s charges after the heartbreak of the first Test match.

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THE BOKS WILL BE GALVANISED

The boys are hurt after they lost the opening match of the three-match series 22-17.

This, after seemingly having control of preceding at half-time. The Boks went into the tunnel leading 12-3 at the break. The loss left Siya Kolisi and his men absolutely gutted. You can see the hurt in the eyes of the players and the coaching staff.

Rassie Erasmus epitomizes this point in his recent video criticizing the officiating in the first Test. You can feel the disappointment and frustration and it is felt in the entire Springbok camp.

Such pain will drive the intensity of this Bok side. A wounded Bok side is as dangerous as it gets.

These men strive off of passion for the jersey, purpose in their play and have their backs to the wall.

HISTORY SHOWS US THE DANGER OF A WOUNDED BOK

History has shown us just how dominant the Springboks can be when they are hurt. They play like men possessed with a purpose and overcome with an overwhelming drive and intensity that is unstoppable.

In 2018, The Boks faced a disappointing loss in 23-18 loss Australia and was given little to no chance of a victory in New Zealand. Pundits had predicted a potential 20 point loss against the All Blacks.

However, the Boks went to record a famous 36-34 triumph in New Zealand.

The same would occur one year later in the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo. The Springboks lost their opening group match against NZ 23-13 and the entire nation was left heartbroken, truly gutted. No side had ever won a world cup after losing a group match until the Boks that is.

They would record 3 convincing wins in a row. Knocking out the tournament hosts Japan in the quarter-finals and Wales in the semi-finals to reach a final with England. The Boks went into the Rugby World Cup final as underdogs with England as firm favourites after a monumental display that saw them knock out the favourites and defending champions at the time, New Zealand.

Farrell’s grin told the story, rugby analysts believed the final was won and the whole of England expected a convincing victory.

Then, stepped up a Bok side that was doubted by the world. The doubt and critique brought out the Bok fire. They dominated every facet of play and overwhelmed the English with their passion and intensity.

Rassie’s men went on to famously win that final by 20 points with a resounding 32-12 victory.

WE HAVE TO WIN, THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE!

Now they have to win. 12 years of history is at stake, many of the Boks were in high school when we famously won the second test in 2009, they have grown up dreaming of this moment.

The Boks are certainly wounded, gutted, after the heartbreak of the first Test. Count them out at your peril!

They know that they have to win and that 60 million South Africans are behind them.

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The Springboks have a point to prove with redemption, pride and history all on the line.

We will show the world why we are world champions and what it means to wear the green and gold jersey for all these men.