After a few days of reflection on the Springboks’ narrow victory over England, one must ponder whether their strategic use of the bench was a stroke of genius or a flawed selection strategy.
This debate among fans highlights the razor-thin margins in elite-level Test rugby, where fortunes can change in an instant.
The semifinal against England showed that Steve Borthwick’s game plan, emphasizing the Saracens style and players, came tantalizingly close to reaching the World Cup final against the odds.
However, England’s challenge remains in scoring tries, as they have managed only one against South Africa in six World Cup games. This scoring deficiency has held them back from winning the Webb Ellis Cup more frequently.
Reading between the lines, it’s apparent that the players are rallying behind their coach for the next four years, with promising young talents on the horizon. Sir Clive Woodward sees this as a potential turning point for English rugby, which needs a strong national team.
However, the Springboks’ selection for the upcoming final raises eyebrows. The decision to pick just one scrum-half for the World Cup final, leaving no backup for Faf de Klerk, is puzzling. History shows that World Cup finals can go to injury time, and relying solely on Faf de Klerk to play 100 minutes is a significant gamble.
The selection of the bench should align with the style of play, and the Springboks’ apparent intent to focus on defense, kicking, and forward dominance justifies their choice of fewer backline players on the bench. In contrast, teams like the All Blacks or Ireland, known for expansive and ball-in-hand play, always have more backline options on the bench.
In a blunt manner, it seems that Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are sending a clear and aggressive message to their opponents, indicating their intentions to dominate. This strategy has been evident in their rugby shows and social media posts from the beginning, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.
As for New Zealand, they have used this World Cup as preparation for critical Tests, making significant improvements since their opening loss to France.
Their upcoming clash with South Africa presents a different challenge, with a strong back three comprising Mark Tele’a, Will Jordan, and Beauden Barrett. Ian Foster’s task is to motivate his forward pack to match the Boks phase by phase.
Despite the Springboks’ formidable defense, the All Blacks’ scoring ability is not to be underestimated, as they have already notched up 47 tries in this World Cup. The weather, which is expected to be rainy, may favor the All Blacks.
Predicting a winner is difficult, with both teams having lost a game in the tournament. The French fans’ loyalties are uncertain, and the historic rivalry between these two rugby powerhouses makes this final a thrilling prospect. It’s a battle for a record fourth World Cup title, with the last non-New Zealand or South Africa winner dating back to 2003.
In conclusion, the anticipation is high for this clash of titans, and rugby fans eagerly await the kickoff.
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