Springboks not taking a backward step for more favoured France

The Springboks are embracing the challenge of facing the 2023 Rugby World Cup hosts, France, at Stade de France in the last of four quarter-finals at 21h00 on Sunday, and Bok assistant coach Daan Human and the players had no doubt it would be a top-class playoff match.

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SPRINGBOKS REACH WORLD CUP OBJECTIVE

Human was thrilled about the Springboks advancing to the quarter-finals after Ireland knocked Scotland out of the competition on Saturday night and said:

“Our objective was to qualify for the quarter-final, so we are very happy, and we are looking forward to this week.”

Human said both teams had improved since their encounter in Marseille in November last year in what proved to be a humdinger of a match.

The hosts won 30-26 as the Springboks were reduced to 14 men early in the game due to a red card and added that it was difficult to single out their strengths as a team.

“I think they are better than last year, but so are we,” said Human.

“If you train hard, you’ll naturally get better as a team. But just as they believe in themselves, we believe in our players as well.”

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HIGH PRAISE FOR FRANCE

When quizzed about France’s strengths, the former Springbok and Toulouse prop complimented France’s all-round prowess.

“They are strong in every department. That’s why they are the No 2 team in the world. They also won all four pool games and did very well against New Zealand, so there isn’t one area one can say they are particularly good at.”

The Springboks will travel to Paris on Monday to prepare for the quarter-final, which kicks off at 21h00 on Sunday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

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