Siyamthanda Kolisi in Cape Town. Image: David Harrison / AFP
Springboks: Potential pathway to Rugby World Cup glory
On paper and in theory at least, the Springboks have what sounds a relatively simple pathway to the Rugby World Cup final. Here it is.
Siyamthanda Kolisi in Cape Town. Image: David Harrison / AFP
The Springboks must first negotiate a massive quarter-final with France before they can ponder their road to the Rugby World Cup final.
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Rugby World Cup path to the final
Saturday sees Wales take on Argentina and World Number 1 ranked Ireland meet three-time World Cup winners New Zealand. The Springboks must get past host nation France, and if they do, they’ll face either England or Fiji in the final four. If they get all the way to the final. On paper, they’d expect to face the winners of Ireland vs New Zealand in the showpiece final. You never know though.
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Springboks boast awesome record in France
South Africa has won 11 from 12 Rugby World Cup matches in France spanning showpieces in 1999, 2007 and 2023. The Boks have played at Paris’ Stade de France 10 times, winning seven of those. The only match the Springboks have lost at France’s national stadium was against Ireland last month in the pool stages. South Africa played and won all seven World Cup matches in 2007 matches in France to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for the second time. Back to the present, the defending champions now focus all their attention on a meeting with France on Sunday at 21:00 in the nation’s capital. A place in the final four is up for grabs.
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game
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