Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones remained calm and composed ahead of the highly anticipated clash against France at the Stade de France on Saturday, downplaying media hype about the hosts seeking revenge.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, an alternating quadrennial tour between South Africa and New Zealand, was confirmed on Thursday, marking a defining new chapter for the intense rivalry between the sport’s most successful and storied nations.
The following statement has been agreed by the national rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and Italy.
Cobus Reinach, who scored two tries as the Springboks clinched back-to-back Rugby Championship titles with a thrilling victory over Argentina, says the work is far from over as they now turn their attention to a five-match tour in November.
Two-try scoring Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has described the team’s historic feat of winning back-to-back Rugby Championship titles as “surreal” and said the achievement had yet to sink in.
The Springboks made history on Saturday night, clinching back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time after a thrilling 29-27 victory over Argentina at Allianz Stadium.
New Zealand climbed to the top of the Rugby Championship standings after defeating Australia 28-14 at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Despite the All Blacks’ victory, the advantage still lies with the Springboks, who only need to beat Argentina at Allianz Stadium in London to retain their title.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi remained humble about the prospect of possibly becoming the first Bok team to win back-to-back Rugby Championship titles when they line up against the Pumas in the grand finale of the competition at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, and stressed that the quality of their performance was their main driving force going into the Test.
Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi shot down the favourites tag as the team prepares to face Argentina in their Rugby Championship decider in London on Saturday and said they expected an arm-wrestle of a match and full-out retaliation from the Pumas.