1
'They’ve got a chance': All Blacks win gives Springboks hope against France
By Josh Raisey
Former South Africa back-row and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner Bobby Skinstad believes the All Blacks' victory over Ireland on Saturday at the Stade de France will give the Springboks belief that they can do the same against France tonight.
The All Blacks entered their quarter-final with Ireland as underdogs, with everything suggesting Andy Farrell's side would win. Ireland are ranked the number one team in the world, they were unbeaten at the World Cup, they had beaten New Zealand the last time the two sides had met and they had won three of their four meetings since the 2019 World Cup. The exact same can apply for France and South Africa- Les Bleus are ranked second in the world, they are unbeaten at this World Cup and they beat the Springboks this time last year.
But speaking after the Ian Foster's side pulled off a titanic 28-24 win in what he described as "one of the greatest clashes I’ve ever seen," Skinstad said his compatriots will now think they have a chance of pulling off a similar upset at the same place this evening in the last quarter-final of the weekend.
"I think it gives South Africa the thought that maybe they’ve got a chance," he said. "It’s a team that’s ranked above you, a team that’s playing better than you, but you are able to knock them over on the night."
The Springboks have already lost this World Cup, as had the All Blacks, and while the former flanker feels Fabien Galthie's side are playing better than Jacques Nienaber's, the All Blacks' performance would have been just the tonic they would have wanted. Moreover, the events of the Springboks' last meeting with the All Blacks - a record loss for New Zealand in August - compared to their last meeting with Ireland - a victory for Ireland in the pool stages- will give Siya Kolisi's men more encouragement should they potentially meet them in the final.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments