South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Why the Springboks shouldn’t fear France at their Rugby World Cup
The Springboks are on a quarter-final collision course with Rugby World Cup hosts France. Is that necessarily a bad thing though?
South Africa’s wing Kurt-Lee Arendse (R) celebrates with flyhalf Manie Libbok. Photo by WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
Defending Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, are highly likely to meet up with hosts France in the final eight of this year’s showpiece.
ICYMI: All Blacks vs Springboks: H2H record, Memorable meetings, Madiba magic
SPRINGBOKS SHUFFLE THE PACK AGAINST TONGA
Handre Pollard will get a run-out against the Tongans on Sunday. Whether by coincidence or design, that could help Jacques Nienaber become more informed on who he wants to deploy at number 10 for the remainder of the tournament. Playing a relative minnow like Tonga allows Nienaber to experiment.
OPINION: Is this the best Springboks 23 for the rest of the World Cup?
FRANCE MISSING A KEY SUPERSTAR
With the Springboks having lost to Ireland, it appears a Rugby World Cup quarter-final against hosts France awaits Jacques Nienaber’s men. The French need only to beat Italy in their final group game to top their pool, while the Springboks look set for the runners-up spot in Pool B. Without key playmaker Romain Ntamack France might not be as daunting an opponent as previously expected. Antoine Dupont, however, is back in contention after fracturing a cheekbone earlier in the tournament. The supremely talented scrumhalf will wear a protective mask when he returns to action, and if that’s against the Springboks, one would understand a little apprehension on his part. Imagine seeing a trio of imposing Bok forwards looking to hunt you down on the fringes just days after picking up a serious facial injury.
BOKS vs TONGA: SIX interesting stats you need to know
ROAD TO RUGBY WORLD CUP GLORY
If the Boks can get past Fabien Galthie’s men, should that quarter-final materialize, they could potentially face Wales in the semis and then Ireland or New Zealand in the final. There’s plenty of rugby to be played still, but South Africa would fancy their chances against France and then Wales in the final four, a team they beat in 2019 at that exact stage. The Boks also beat tournament hosts Japan four years ago, so these wouldn’t be unchartered waters for the three-time world champions. In Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe, the Boks have a duo of stars with vast experience of French rugby. That insider info could be invaluable.
POLLARD: ‘I won’t be perfect’ against Tonga
PLENTY TO PONDER: Three huge selection headaches for the Springboks
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game of rugby.
Also, follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.
