Rugby

Boks can beat ‘any side in the world,’ says Kolisi ahead of Euro tour start



Siya Kolisi-captained world champions South Africa hope to increase a profitable run over France and finish shedding streaks in opposition to Ireland and England once they tour Europe in November. 

The Springboks have gained their final three Tests in France, most not too long ago 4 years in the past once they snatched a 29-26 victory via a late Bongi Mbonambi pushover strive. 

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A 12 months earlier South Africa suffered a second straight loss in Ireland when humiliated 38-3 partly attributable to an lack of ability to deal with an aerial barrage.

Results in London have been much more miserable — when South Africa deal with England at Twickenham on November 26 they are going to be attempting to keep away from a fourth consecutive loss there. 

The Springboks play Ireland, France, Italy and England on consecutive Saturdays from November 5 as they search consistency after six victories and three losses this season.

South Africa have been good when defeating arch rivals New Zealand 26-10 in the opening spherical of the Rugby Championship and woeful quickly after in a 25-17 defeat by Australia in Adelaide. 

Before profitable 4 matches and shedding two to complete second behind the All Blacks in the southern hemisphere event, the Springboks edged plucky Wales 2-1 in a mid-year collection.

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“We had some great moments in the Rugby Championship and also some weak moments,” mentioned 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper and free ahead Kolisi.

“The Springboks can win against any side in the world on our day,” he added, recalling the Malcolm Marx-inspired demolition of New Zealand in Mbombela.

“After our awful showing in Adelaide, we took a big step forward by winning in Sydney and then twice against Argentina, who had stunned the All Blacks  earlier in the championship.”

‘Great achievement’

Kolisi added: “There are lots of good Test groups at the second so three victories in a row was an incredible achievement.

“Now we head for Europe to face the groups ranked first (Ireland), second (France) and fifth (England) in the world. 

“Obviously, we need to win all 4 Tests as a result of that may give us momentum going into the 2023 World Cup in France.

“We will face Ireland at the pool stage, could meet France in the quarter-finals and possibly England later in the competition,” the skipper added.

South Africa flew to Dublin at the weekend with out a number of first decisions, together with centre Lukhanyo Am and fly-half Handre Pollard, who’re each injured.

More cheerful information for head coach Jacques Nienaber was the return of star winger Cheslin Kolbe, who broke his jaw in opposition to Wales.

Given the embarrassment of riches on the proper wing with Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Sibusiso Nkosi, there was media hypothesis that the former shall be moved to full-back.

With Pollard recovering from a knee operation and deputy Elton Jantjies sidelined by lack of recreation time and private issues, utility again Damian Willemse is prone to start at fly-half.

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Creative Willemse impressed in wins over Australia in Sydney and Argentina in Buenos Aires earlier than concussion dominated him out of the return match with the Pumas. 

His one flaw is erratic goal-kicking as he’s solely the third-choice in that important operate at his franchise, the Stormers.

There have been media hints that one other Springbok, probably scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse, shall be first in line to take conversions and penalties.


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