Rugby World Cup final between All Blacks and Springboks will go to a different level
Springboks coach Deon Davids expects next weekend's clash to be a level above previous South Africa-New Zealand matches. The sport's two heavyweights famously went toe-to-toe for the 1995 Rugby World Cup title, which the Boks won thanks to a goal from Joel Stransky.
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They also faced each other at the 1999, 2003, 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, and the duo are regulars in the Rugby Championship. However, Davids believes this could be the best game of all as both teams look incredibly strong heading into the 2023 showpiece tournament.
The talent of the two sides
As kids, we grew up listening to battles between the All Blacks and South Africa on the radio, hearing the stories of heroes from both teams over the years, he said. It's part of our rugby history, the Springboks and the All Blacks, and every time we play each other it's always a special battle and I don't think this one will be any different.
I think it will probably take the game to another level in terms of the competition between the players - great talent on both teams. This will happen on the same day. This is how a team that handles pressure performs better, or maybe one brilliant moment by one person that makes a difference can lead to things like this.
“We are honored and humbled to have made it this far, to be part of such a big week leading up to this game.”
The last time the countries faced each other was in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham in August, which the Springboks won comfortably 35-7, but Davids is expecting a very different match next Saturday. Both teams will learn a lot of lessons. New Zealand plays excellent rugby. We’ll see where we can outsmart each other, he said.
“This will be a new game in new circumstances, a fight for the main prize of world rugby. If you look back too far and don't grasp the moment, we'll deceive ourselves. Our focus will be on what we need to do and remember that we are facing a formidable opponent."
How much left in the tank
South Africa survived two incredibly difficult knockout matches, winning by one point each over France and England. There are concerns about how long they have until the finale, but Davids is just happy to make it to the main event.
If you can get a better result early on and have a clear view of the score, that will obviously be a better position, but this is the Rugby World Cup and we played against teams in great form, he said. Last week it was France at home I don't think they can be anything more and this week a formidable England team who came out and played very well indeed. We really had to fight this.
But applause to our players for making a difference. This is a testament to the character of the players. I've been in those situations a couple of times, understanding how we operate as a team, whether you're starting or coming off the bench, trying to adapt and make plans on the fly. Rugby fans can book Rugby World Cup Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
“We're just glad we were able to turn it around last week and this week and hopefully we won't be in that same situation this week [in the Rugby World Cup final] but it will still be an uphill battle.”
Extra significance for Rugby World Cup final
History is guaranteed to be made as the Springboks and All Blacks battle to become the competition's first four-time winners. However, both teams have qualified for the Webb Ellis Cup three times, meaning there are plenty of chances in this game.
We have a fantastic and exciting week ahead of us. Our battles with the All Blacks have a lot of history between us, Davids added. We've played them a couple of times this year, but going into the Rugby World Cup final, I don't think any of those previous encounters will count.
“This is a completely new game, in new circumstances participation in the Rugby World Cup. This week we will have to be aware of our plan and its execution. You can see that New Zealand played excellent rugby throughout the competition. They're in a really good position as well, so it's going to be a tough battle on Saturday and we need to make sure we tick a lot of boxes in our preparation.”
Jacques Nienaber discusses Manie Libbok’s Rugby World Cup final chances after fly-half was brutally replaced
South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber insists Money Libbock's performance in the Rugby World Cup semi-final does not automatically rule him out for next weekend's game. But, England were much better in the first half hour, with Steve Borthwick's men in control for most of the match.
The Springboks' poor fielding didn't help, but the playmaker found it difficult to get his kicks off the ground as the Red Roses dominated territory and possession. Libbock duly took responsibility for the team's first-half woes and was cruelly sent off in the 31st minute.
Handre Pollard’s impact
His replacement Handre Pollard played a key role in the triumph, scoring the winning penalty in the closing stages of the contest. Following the development, Pollard is now favorite to start against the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final, but Nienaber insists Libbock is actively in the conversation.
The beauty of this group is that we are open and honest, and because we have the right players, the players accept it, he said. Sometimes things don't go the way we would like. We did it with Bongi in 2018. We removed it. On that particular day he just wasn't happy, but the next week he started again.
The main thing is that everything is for the team and they understand that. Players take him by the chin. That doesn't mean he won't start work next week. But, we didn't miss a shot on goal tonight, we took advantage of every opportunity with him and Handre. That's how it is. This is for South Africa, not for the individual and not for the ego.
“We receive messages and see every message that is sent to us. This is for them. The Springboks are more important than anything else.”
To Libbock's great credit, he spoke openly to the media after the match and did not hold any grudges against the coaches for their decision. It’s always a team effort, the midfielder said. However, I'm just thrilled with what the guys did tonight. It was something special. I'm just proud of the guys who stayed there.
“I’m glad the boys came off the bench and stepped up the tempo of the game.”
Needed something special
In dire conditions, South Africa trailed 15-6 going into the final 12 minutes, but Pollard struck with a superb strike to set himself up for the only try of the game. The second half then scored a 50 meter penalty to give them a 16–15 victory over England in the semi-final.
They now face the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris next weekend. But, we struggled to gain a foothold in the game and achieve success. Like the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, you need a 60m maul, something special to open the game and I think the touch kick that set us up for the try.
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