Picture: for illustration purposes
South Africa's Springboks, under the directorship of Rassie Erasmus, have their gaze unyieldingly fixed on the forthcoming Rugby World Cup semi-final match against England. The Springbok director of rugby laid stress on the importance of not underestimating their immediate opponents, underlining it as disrespectful to think beyond this critical encounter and on to a potential final meeting with the New Zealand All Blacks.
Erasmus, well acknowledged for his remarkable coaching that led the Boks to a glorious victory in Japan four years ago, currently holds the reins of the team's strategic direction in rugby. His commendation of the English team was clear as he stated, "England are unbeaten and they've resolutely upheld their game strategy under coach Steve Borthwick since his appointment. This draws them out as a team full of belief and eager to avenge their defeat last year and in the 2019 World Cup final."
The Springboks narrowly triumphed over France with a 29-28 victory in the quarter-finals, which pegged them as favourites to reach the October 28 final. The persistent spotlight on their World Cup progression has led to a hardened resolve among team members, according to fly-half Handre Pollard who was instrumental in leading the Boks to their Webb Ellis Cup triumph in 2019. With a nod to their humble beginnings and the competitive pressures they've grown up with, Pollard expressed: "We're comfortable in this environment; we welcome the pressure and consider it a privilege to represent our country on this prestigious platform."
The South African team is geared up to cross their imminent 'massive speedbump' in the form of England before they can cross bridges further down their World Cup journey.