Springboks admit to keeping tabs on three RIVAL teams at RWC
As the race for the playoffs heats up, the Springboks are keeping a close eye on these three teams ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals.
With the Rugby World Cup quarter-final line-ups still uncertain, there are a myriad of permutations the Springboks must keep in mind with one round of matches left to play.
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RUGBY WORLD CUP PERMUTATIONS
Going into the final round of the 2023 World Cup pool phase, only two teams – Wales and England – are already guaranteed qualification for the quarter-finals.
France and New Zealand are fighting for the top two spots in Pool A, while the Springboks, Ireland and Scotland are all still in contention to qualify from Pool B.
Fiji and Australia are looking to join Wales in escaping Pool C, while the winner of the match between Japan and Samoa will join England as Pool D’s quarter-finalists.
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SPRINGBOKS CASTING A WATCHING EYE OVER RIVALS
But with Pool A’s quarter-finalists set to square off against Pool B’s quarter-finalists, Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones was optimistic that South Africa were in a strong position to make it through to the top eight and they are really only following status of three teams who they think are likely to progress.
“Italy can also still qualify (in Pool A featuring France and New Zealand) so we’ll keep an eye on the three teams we think can go through,” said Jones.
“In our case there are about 20 possible permutations, and we can lose out in one of those scenarios, although it is unlikely. So, after the weekend we’ll narrow in on the opposition.”
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