SEVEN facts from the Springboks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup victory
The Springboks will face the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 October.
The Springboks will face the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 October.
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Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time).
South Africa won the last World Cup to be hosted by France in 2007 when John Smit hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup following a 15-6 win over England in the final.
It’s been 16 years. Will history repeat itself this weekend?
How many of the Springbok match-day squad for the 2007 final can you name?
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Below, SEVEN interesting stats, facts and observations that jumped out at us when Googling the side that did duty that night.
1. Squads consisted of 22-players at the time and the Springboks opted for a 4-3 bench split
2. Ireland’s Alain Rolland was the referee on the day
3. Fullback Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and centre Frans Steyn added a fifth for the Springboks, while England replied with two penalties by flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson
4. Lock Victor Matfield was named man of the match
5. Prop Os du Randt became the first Springbok to win a second World Cup title having previously been part of the 1995-winning side
6. The Springboks were coached at the tournament by Jake White
7. England wing Mark Cueto is reportedly still complaining about his disallowed try having put a foot in touch early in the second half …
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SPRINGBOK TEAM FOR 2007 RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL
15 Percy Montgomery, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Butch James, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Os du Randt
Substitutes: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Wikus van Heerden, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Andre Pretorius, 22 Wynand Olivier
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HOW MANY OF THAT 22-MAN TEAM COULD YOU REMEMBER?
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