Springboks undaunted by France litmus test

The Springboks’ blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France on Sunday is expected to be one of the greatest Test matches in recent memory.

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According to the World Rugby rankings – as well as the bookmakers’ predictions – there is virtually no way to separate France and the Springboks when it comes to the odds, with the reigning world champions set to tackle the home nation in front of a vociferous home crowd.

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It’s going to be a hostile environment for the Springboks, but Rassie Erasmus has insisted the match in Paris presents the perfect opportunity for the team to achieve something special as they continue their mission to defend the title they won in Japan in 2019.

“If you want to do something great, it will never be in ideal situations,” said Erasmus. “Given how France have done and the way they’ve been playing in the last few years, this will be one of the top games, and we’ll have to try to manage that.”

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SPRINGBOKS FULLY FOCUSED ON TASK AT HAND

The former Bok loose forward expected a hard grind of a match and said doing the basics right would be essential this weekend.

“Winning is everything, and there are different ways of winning. Defence, scrums, lineouts, mauls and rucks will always be important, and given where are in the competition now, things will get tighter as the pressure builds.”

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INTERESTING SELECTION DECISIONS TO MAKE

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will announce his team on Friday as opposed to earlier in the week – a decision that has attracted a media interest at the global spectacle.

“We’ve been mixing and matching for the last year to make sure we have players on par with one another in each position, so we’ll keep our options open for a seven-one, six-two and five-three split,” said Erasmus.

“The coaches will sit Wednesday morning and confirm things, and then the players will slot in. The way the French team looks could also influence what selection we decide on.

“The one thing for certain is that we have the right bunch of players here.”

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