[LOOK] Smit: Boks must rest up
Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit says recovery will be South Africa’s big weapon against the All Blacks in the World Cup final at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Former hooker Smit, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in France in 2007, says the All Blacks had an easier ride to the decider and is worried that the two one-point playoff wins over France and England could have taken its toll on the Boks.
Smit explains: “I think the worry is it’s been two really big weekends in the quarters and semis. “With this turnaround, the recovery this week will be a big part of how they can match up. New Zealand, with all respect, had a soft semifinal and have an extra day.
It all comes down to this - a date with destiny 🏆![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦#StrongerTogether #Springboks #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/whFfcudP1P
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 23, 2023
“South Africa must be pretty beat up. It’ll be about how they are physically after the intensity of the clashes they have had.”
All Blacks flyhalf and 2015 World Cup winner Dan Carter also reckons the physicality stakes holds the key to victory in the final.
Carter says: “They [the All Blacks] have to match them [the Springboks] physically. That starts at the set piece, scrum, lineout and breakdown they need to match them. Then take their opportunities.”
Meanwhile, at the time of going to print on Tuesday night, there was still no news regarding the availability of Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who is under investigation by World Rugby after allegedly calling England flanker Tom Curry a “white c**t” in their semifinal clash last weekend.
dudley.carstens@inl.co.za