With just over a year until the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the SA Rugby magazine team debates which team will provide the greatest challenge to the Springboks defending their title in France.
Dylan Jack says: ENGLAND
Drawn on the same side of the World Cup as Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and hosts France, the Springboks have been given a tough task of defending the trophy they won in 2019. Even if the reigning world champions progress past the All Blacks, Ireland or Les Bleus in the playoffs, it is likely that England will be lying in wait, salivating at the chance to reap cold, hard vengeance in the final.
England could not have asked for an easier path through the tournament. They have been placed in Pool D alongside Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile and are likely to face Australia and Wales in the playoffs. England will have something of a psychological advantage over both, as they sent a young team out to claim a series win in Australia and beat Wales in the Six Nations. Eddie Jones may not have won too much silverware recently, but he has quietly been building this squad to counter any threats the Boks may offer in the World Cup final.
Freddie Steward has come through as a solid presence at fullback, while the combination of Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell offers a variety of off-the-cuff play and good tactical kicking.
Of course, the battle will be won up front, but England have also sharpened up there, with Courtney Lawes seamlessly taking over the captaincy and the likes of lock Jonny Hill, loosehead Ellis Genge, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and tighthead Kyle Sinckler combining in a seriously tough tight five.
While all eyes are understandably on New Zealand and France, the Boks would be right to be wary of the challenge that England will pose. Underestimate the genius of Jones at your peril.
Devin Hermanus says: IRELAND
Former Leinster star Isa Nacewa believes rampant 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam champions France have the “absolute beasts” to trample the Springboks.
Ireland, by tactically overpowering the once mighty All Blacks in their own backyard, showed why it takes brains and brawn to trump the best the southern hemisphere has to offer.
Throughout the series in New Zealand, Ireland controlled the action in close quarters. Andy Farrell’s mobile pack, led by workhorse Josh van der Flier, railroaded the Kiwis on several occasions, using a combination of deft passing and direct carries.
Ireland had no trouble playing at the tempo they wanted, were technically superior and quick to react, and positioned themselves with strength over the ball to always be in with a chance to win a penalty, a steal or even just slow the ball down frequently enough.
Skipper Johnny Sexton displayed every bit of his experience and calmness in front of goal gleaned from 114 Test appearances and, alongside halfback partner Jamison Gibson-Park, laid the platform for the outside backs to run riot.
Ireland showed cohesion on attack to run schemes with well-timed running lines and passes, giving the likes of Bundee Aki and James Lowe as many carries as possible to generate go-forward.
Overall, the Irish were better in every aspect of the game so it is no surprise they claimed a historic victory in the third Test. They thoroughly deserved the series win, which moved them to the top of World Rugby’s Test rankings.
The Boks’ running game is nothing like the All Blacks’, so Ireland will back their reads and defensive organisation to handle the direct and physical approach from the South Africans.
It was a massive achievement for Farrell’s troops, becoming just the third team in history to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand in a three-match series, and will give them confidence going into a sold-out clash with the Boks at the Aviva Stadium on 5 November.
Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber must put their heads together and concoct a plan for the world champions to avoid a bloody nose in Dublin, before a possible knockout blow at France 2023.
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