The South African rugby team, the Springboks, are preparing for a tough match against England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with an emphasis on defense, scrums, mauls, and tactical kicking. Despite England’s undefeated record in the tournament, coach Rassie Erasmus recognizes their formidable nature and expects a closely contested match. The Springboks have shifted towards a more open, flowing style resulting in more tries scored by the backs, but their goal is to secure wins rather than universal praise.
What is the Springboks’ approach to their Rugby World Cup semi-final against England?
South Africa’s Springboks, under SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, are preparing for a challenging Rugby World Cup semi-final against England. Coach Erasmus emphasizes the importance of defense, scrums, mauls, and tactical kicking, and anticipates a return to traditional, hard-fought rugby. The team has shifted towards a more open, flowing style, resulting in more tries scored by the backs. However, their goal is not universal praise, but to secure wins.
South Africa’s Springboks, under SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, are gearing up for a challenging Rugby World Cup semi-final against England. Despite the general perception of England as a struggling team, Erasmus stresses their true formidable nature.
Erasmus, who guided the Springboks to a victorious 2019 World Cup, recognizes that England has emerged victorious in all their matches of the current tournament. However, their journey has been comparatively easier, facing less formidable opponents and delivering relatively unremarkable performances.
Springboks’ Tougher Path to the Semi-Final
On the other hand, the Springboks, coached by Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber, have overcome a more challenging pool, despite a 13-8 defeat to Ireland. After an exhilarating 29-28 win over hosts and title favorites France in the quarter-finals, the South African team has become a strong contender to advance to the final.
Erasmus disregards external views on England’s capabilities, asserting that his team’s reality is not swayed by outside perspectives. He emphasizes the quality of the English Premiership, their talented players, and the leadership of coach Steve Borthwick.
The former Leicester and England captain has crafted a team that remains undefeated in the tournament, with comparable points conceded and scored to the Springboks. Erasmus thinks that statistics, while not always definitive, suggest a closely contested match.
Emphasizing Traditional Rugby Tactics and a Shift in Strategy
The Springboks’ coach is astonished by the high-scoring, open nature of the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he anticipates a return to conventional, hard-fought rugby in the semi-finals, underlining the importance of defense, scrums, mauls, and tactical kicking.
Throughout the tournament, Erasmus has been notably restrained on social media, abstaining from criticizing referees – a behavior that previously resulted in two bans for him. He clarifies that his silence is not due to fear of penalties, but rather a wake-up call for the team to adjust and embrace a more open, flowing, and running rugby style.
This change in tactics has led to a higher number of tries scored by the team’s backs, showcasing the effectiveness of their new approach. Erasmus insists that concentrating on open play and counter-attacks offers clearer decisions for referees, making their job easier and ultimately benefiting the team.
Aiming for Performance and Victory Over Admiration
Erasmus and the Springboks are not pursuing universal praise through a dazzling playing style, but they are striving to score tries and secure wins. As they get ready to face England in the semi-final, Erasmus remains confident in his team’s capacity to execute a powerful and tactically sound performance.
1. What is the Springboks’ approach to their Rugby World Cup semi-final against England?
South Africa’s Springboks, under SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, are preparing for a challenging Rugby World Cup semi-final against England. Coach Erasmus emphasizes the importance of defense, scrums, mauls, and tactical kicking, and anticipates a return to traditional, hard-fought rugby. The team has shifted towards a more open, flowing style, resulting in more tries scored by the backs. However, their goal is not universal praise, but to secure wins.
2. How does Erasmus view England as a team?
Erasmus disregards external views on England’s capabilities, asserting that his team’s reality is not swayed by outside perspectives. He emphasizes the quality of the English Premiership, their talented players, and the leadership of coach Steve Borthwick.
3. How has the Springboks’ journey to the semi-final been compared to England’s?
The Springboks, coached by Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber, have overcome a more challenging pool, despite a 13-8 defeat to Ireland. After an exhilarating 29-28 win over hosts and title favorites France in the quarter-finals, the South African team has become a strong contender to advance to the final. In contrast, England has faced less formidable opponents and delivered relatively unremarkable performances.
4. What kind of match does Erasmus anticipate in the semi-final?
Erasmus anticipates a return to conventional, hard-fought rugby in the semi-finals, underlining the importance of defense, scrums, mauls, and tactical kicking.
5. How has the Springboks’ strategy shifted throughout the tournament?
The team has shifted towards a more open, flowing style, resulting in more tries scored by the backs. They are concentrating on open play and counter-attacks, which offers clearer decisions for referees, making their job easier and ultimately benefiting the team.
6. Why has Erasmus been restrained on social media during the tournament?
Throughout the tournament, Erasmus has been notably restrained on social media, abstaining from criticizing referees – a behavior that previously resulted in two bans for him. He clarifies that his silence is not due to fear of penalties, but rather a wake-up call for the team to adjust and embrace a more open, flowing, and running rugby style.
7. What is the Springboks’ goal for the semi-final?
The Springboks are not pursuing universal praise through a dazzling playing style, but they are striving to score tries and secure wins.
8. How confident is Erasmus in his team’s capacity to perform in the semi-final?
As they get ready to face England in the semi-final, Erasmus remains confident in his team’s capacity to execute a powerful and tactically sound performance.
