The Springboks already knew that they’d been drawn within the so-called “pool of death” at this yr’s World Cup in France, however it will be even tougher than they imagined.
With solely two groups out of the 5 capable of progress from pool B to the competitors knockouts, the Boks have been already tasked with the problem of going through Ireland and Scotland to succeed in the quarterfinals.
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However, attributable to World Rugby’s latest change to regulation 8, which permits gamers who’ve already represented different worldwide groups to vary allegiance in the event that they meet sure standards, Tonga have out of the blue turn into a darkish horse within the pool.
‘Very fair’
Over the previous few months the Pacific Island aspect have been stacking their squad with former All Black and Wallaby internationals and they’re going to pose an additional risk to the Boks’ hopes of defending their World Cup title.
“Originally we voted against it (regulation 8), but when you see what is happening with the Tongan team you can’t help feeling it is very fair,” admitted SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus at a Springbok press convention earlier this week.
“It is honest for them to deliver guys who have been born there however have performed for one other nation again to play worldwide rugby for them.
“These are teams who were viewed as minnows, and lesser favourites in their World Cup groups. But all of a sudden you have world class players who have been playing top class rugby for other countries and in big competitions, coming into their teams and strengthening them.”
Familiar faces
The Boks might discover themselves up towards some very acquainted faces after they tackle the Tongans of their pool match.
Former Wallaby star Israel Folau, together with Lopeti Timani and Adam Coleman, who each represented Australia at the earlier World Cup, in addition to former All Blacks Charles Piutau, Vaea Fifita, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala and Augustine Pulu are all within the Tongan squad for the showpiece occasion.
‘Actually glad’
Despite the tougher problem, Erasmus claimed that the Boks have been happier to face stronger opposition as it could put together them higher ought to they attain the knockouts of the competitors.
“I do think that sometimes having really weak teams in your pool doesn’t help you a lot when you get into a quarterfinal or semi-final,” stated Erasmus.
“So I’m really glad that they’re getting stronger. If you identify some of these gamers within the Tongan crew it will be powerful and one hell of a match.
“We like the fact that we won’t be going up and down in terms of the quality of opposition we face at the World Cup this year, as now it will be steadier and hopefully that will help us if we get into the knockouts.”
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