The Boks are set to play England in the highly anticipated semi-final this Saturday in Paris and high chances are they will win the match with ease.
The Rugby World cup has had South Africans on a choke hold since it began, and the Springboks have showed up despite some of the challenges the team have faced.
The last match against the hosting team, France, was an intense one with 6 tries scored in the first 30 minutes of the game, setting a new record in a World cup knockout match.
And breathe, for now 😅
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 15, 2023
What a half of rugby!
Six tries: three for France and three for the Springboks.
📷 Stream #RWC2023 live now: https://t.co/bDeiretgWP | #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/SdsJWYlMmt
France was under pressure of having to win the quarter final since they were the hosting team, but they couldn’t make it through to the semi-finals. However, they gave a thrilling performance, keeping Bokke supporters on their toes throughout.
Eben Etzebeth was one of the players who came to the rescue and put South Africa in the lead, and they eventually won by 29 points against the hosting team, which had 28 points.
This coming semi-final has chances of being a rerun of the 2019 World Cup final in Japan, when the Springboks dominated, winning 32-12 against England.
While England is currently the only unbeaten team left in the tournament, the Boks are back to No. 1 in World Rugby’s Test rankings for the first time in 15 months after they beat the hosts in a thrilling quarter-final last week and they have strong team members who are going to be playing on Saturday, including possibilities of adding one of their youngest gems Canan Moodie to the game.
Rassie Erasmus provided a strong hint that Bok flyer Canan Moodie would start against England, admitting there is a "temptation" to recall the youngster for the World Cup semi-final. https://t.co/xVSr7cTfJv
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 18, 2023
Speaking on SuperSports on Tuesday, Springbok director Rassie Erasmus described England as a massive speedbump to get over.
“They have stuck to their guns, (has coach Steve) Borthwick since he’s been appointed, and they kept believing in what they’re doing, they’re a team full of belief.
“They’ll be definitely hurting from last year when we beat them, but also the World Cup final in 2019 so they’ll be a very desperate team,” said Erasmus.
Rassie Erasmus on England challenge: "They have threats all over the park" - more here: https://t.co/d2CgrapQP5 🗣#Springboks #StrongerTogether #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/obODxDLaoB
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 17, 2023
Speaking on YouTube podcast ‘Boks Office’ hosted by former rugby union player Hanyani Shimange, Victor Matfield, who is a former Rugby World Cup winner and captain, said England can beat us.
He said that it is all in the mindset and motivation given to the team, saying that complacency can be an issue for players as it was for them back in the day, however, he did not rule out the possibilities of a clean win against England.
