“If there is going to be beef, there is going to be beef … it’s Test rugby.”
Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard says the crew embraces the strain and expectations that include South Africa’s pedigree at the Rugby World Cup.
The holders of the Webb Ellis Cup are getting ready to participate of their sixth World Cup semi-final after they play England at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.
In their earlier 5 appearances in the semi-finals, the Boks have gained three and misplaced two. On the three events they gained their semi-final matches (1995, 2007and 2019) they went on to win the World Cup.
That report speaks volumes about the calibre of the Springboks at the world spectacle; they know easy methods to play World Cup matches as was evident of their 29-28 quarter-final win in opposition to hosts France final Sunday, a match the place their expertise received them via after 80 thrilling minutes.
‘Not easy’
Pollard, who has performed an important half in the success of the present Springboks squad, says the crew can deal with the strain of the World Cup as a result of of South Africa’s historical past and rugby philosophy, which is good for knockout rugby.
“It’s just the way we were brought up, we love it,” stated Pollard.
“It has not all the time been simple for some guys in our squad rising up, so after we get to this place, this level the place there ought to be lots of strain on us, we refer again to it lots. This will not be actually strain, that is extra privilege to be an element of these events.
“I feel our sport mannequin and the method we play the sport fits World Cups fairly properly. We are snug on this atmosphere as a result of we’ve been beneath strain off the subject, rising up, and everyone knows the tales which have come from the earlier World Cup.
“We just enjoy it, we enjoy the pressure. It’s a privilege to have this pressure on our shoulders, playing for our country,” he stated.
England disappointment
The weekend sport will see the Springboks reignite their rivalry with England. The two nations met in the 2019 World Cup ultimate in Japan the place the Bok thumped England 32-12, with Pollard kicking 22 factors.
The mercurial flyhalf is anticipating England to be out to avenge that outcome from the Yokohama Stadium 4 years in the past.
“You could see the disappointment on their faces four years ago,” stated Pollard.
“I feel they are going to be ruthless, I feel they are going to take the depth and physicality to a complete new degree. But that being stated, we’re prepared for that, we’re ready for that and we enjoy that.
“If there is going to be beef, there is going to be beef. It’s Test rugby, it’s 80 minutes, and we have just got to play the game,” Pollard stated.
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