New Zealand v South Africa preview: Demolished by Springboks just before the tournament started, the All Blacks have the ability to complete a memorable turn-around
Demolished by South Africa just before the tournament started, the All Blacks have the ability to complete a memorable turn-aroundNew Zealand face South Africa in what promises to be a fascinating 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Photograph: James Crombie/InphoWorld Cup final: New Zealand v South Africa, Saturday, Stade de France, 8pm , after four years in the making and 47 matches over the last two months, the sport’s biggest game will be between the sport’s two grandees and only three-time winners.
This seemed all the truer when they were well beaten 27-13 by France on opening night. But helped by a favourable draw, they regrouped in Lyons, dipped their bread against Namibia , Italy and Uruguay , before coming through a titanic quarter-final against Ireland and breezed through the second biggest semi-final win of all time, beating Argentina 44-6.
By contrast, if the Springboks emulate Richie McCaw, Dan Carter et al and retain their hold on the World Cup, this will be one to tell the grandchildren about. They have played four of the other top six sides in the world, losing to Ireland in an epic pool tussle, and now face the side currently ranked one behind them in second place.
With Willie le Roux the only back on their bench, this is undoubtedly a risky strategy, all the more so as Bongi Mbonambi will have to go 80 minutes again. Either that, or Deon Fourie will have to fill in at hooker, something which backfired against Ireland. The Springboks will look to dominate the collisions and the gain line, impose their maul, win scrum penalties and mostly take three points when on offer; their tried and tested formula. Handre Pollard’s return to match-winning goal-kicking last week was a timely boost and, reassuringly for the Boks, he has kicked his past 14 place kicks at the Stade de France, dating back to 2017.
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