Thanks to three consecutive victories with a single point lead in the elimination phase, the Springboks snatched a fourth world crown against New Zealand on Saturday.
29-28 against France in the quarter-finals, 16-15 against England in the semi-finals, and finally 12-11 in the final against New Zealand, Saturday October 28. Seeing the glass half empty would suggest that the Springboks have gone through a mouse hole several times to seek a fourth world title. To see it half full is to consider them masters in the art of managing suspense at this World Cup.
Three times, Jacques Nienaber’s men advanced to the next round by the narrowest of margins, until this final narrowly won against the All Blacks weighed down by two missed kicks in the second period. With only one try, this final which weighed six world titles in total, did not reach the supposed peak of play. A bitter, rough battle, without great outbursts, which bears the seal of the Springboks more than ever.
Unfailing resilience
Criticized for its physical game which it exploited to excess, South Africa never gave up in this competition. She often scared herself, didn’t really have any margin over the French, the New Zealanders and even the English, but she always emerged victorious from these duels. Just barely, but still ahead. And the credit goes first and foremost to its duo of selectors Jacques Nienaber-Rassie Erasmus.
For five years, the two strategists have developed a war machine. What emerged was an unbreakable team, capable of playing against an entire stadium, and above all of never hiding when the downpour falls. “We have been preparing for this World Cup since 2018. The main thing is that it’s a real team. They had already participated in a World Cup final, they came out of that experience. They are all warriors”welcomed coach Jacques Nienaber at the exit.
Against France, destiny may have been decided by a voluntary forward pass from Eben Etzebeth. Against England, a late kick from Handré Pollard. In the final, it was two missed kicks that maintained the Springboks’ meager advantage, while they scored no points in the second half. “The All Blacks pushed us to our limits. It shows the kind of team they are, to fight with a man less from the start of the match. They put us under pressure”paid tribute to Captain Siya Kolisi.
Experience and tenacity
With ten starters already present during the title in 2019, experience has allowed the Springboks to never panic in this competition, and particularly in the final phase. “They know their game, they are strong, experienced. Clearly they have learned how to fight, they have had three very close victories, they are very tenacious. They have the ability to play the match at their own pace.” admitted Ian Foster, the New Zealand coach.
To the shimmering play of the French and New Zealanders, the Springboks opposed realism and efficiency. They often came close to the correctional facility, but like a merciless war machine, they let their adversary come back, believe in it, the better to frustrate him and bury him at the gong. When the coin always lands on the right side, it’s hard to see it as nothing but chance. “We have been used to overcoming difficulties for several years. It’s something that has helped us, it proves that this team and this country are resilient”analyzed the man of the match of the final Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
Without Jacques Nienaber, who will join the Leinster club after the World Cup, the Springboks have four years to reinvent themselves. “We have come very far thanks to you, I hope you are proud of us”, concluded Siya Kolisi at a press conference towards his coach. His successor will have solid foundations to aim for a fifth world title.