Although the Springboks‘ possibilities of defending their World Cup title could have been written off by former worldwide stars and pundits round the world, the weight of expectation from the South African public may even be a heavy load to bear.
As three time champions and being one of the greatest sides in world rugby, the Boks could have loads of expectations placed on them by the common public and native pundits going into the showpiece occasion.
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However, SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says the Boks are used to unrealistic expectations being positioned on them and they won’t be affected by them.
“The nice thing about this group is we have been together for a long time. We are very realistic and we don’t often get dragged into what people are saying or thinking,” defined Erasmus.
“We know realistically that in 2019 we have been kind of the underdogs going into the World Cup. But now we’re world champions and we now have to go and try to defend that.
“We feel we have as good a chance (as anyone else) … but we are under no illusions … Australia under Eddie (Jones), New Zealand, Ireland, who are number one (in the world), France are number two, you can go right through to Scotland.”
Not favourites
Erasmus continued: “It could be silly to suppose we’re favourites. We know that and aren’t even going to argue that as a result of there isn’t any sense in doing that.
“But we definitely feel the expectations on our shoulders because people expect us to go and defend our title. So we are certainly going to try.”
The full Bok squad have simply completed their second week of coaching forward of the begin of Rugby Championship and have another week of coaching earlier than they enter their first recreation week forward of the opening match towards Australia at Loftus on 8 July.
By subsequent weekend it’s anticipated that the Boks could have break up their squad, with a big group heading to New Zealand early forward of the second match towards the All Blacks on 15 July.
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