Former Bok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has backed Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux to shine in the World Cup final on Saturday.
Both De Klerk and Le Roux have come in for a wave of criticism for sticking to Rassie Erasmus’ gameplan which has seen the Springboks through to the World Cup final for the first time since 2007.
However, in an interview with SuperSport, former Springbok captain Du Preez defended the duo and said that both players will star in the final against England in Yokohama.
‘There is a lot of unnecessary criticism of Faf,’ Du Preez said. ‘It is 100 percent a decision between Rassie and the tactical decision-makers. That is what Rassie wants and the game plan that Rassie has given him. What else should he do in that situation? If the flyhalf or backline calls for a box kick, what does he do? He can clean out quickly but then the rest of the guys are nowhere.
‘All nines in the world box kick,’ Du Preez added. ‘But South Africans don’t always see that, they don’t see that England box kick or New Zealand box kick. We think they only play running rugby.
‘Willie had an unbelievable World Cup four years ago, and played excellently under pressure from New Zealand. My money is on him having a good game.’
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
