The Springboks have a favourable historical record against most blue-chip opponents, especially in recent years.
Springboks love facing England in big matches
The Springboks’ nail-biting 16-15 win in the 2023 semi-final against England was the sixth Rugby World Cup meeting between the sides. South Africa won the 1999 quarter-final (44-21) in Paris; the pool game (36-0) and final (15-6) in 2007, also both in Paris; and the final (32-12) in Yokohama in 2019. England won the pool game in Perth in 2003 (25-6). The Springboks now boast an 83.33% win rate against their old foes at the world’s biggest tournament, and two of those four wins have come in the match that matters most of all.
Consistency is key
Amazingly, the 2023 semifinal was the first time the Springboks named an unchanged matchday 23 for consecutive games since 2018. This spoke volumes for the consistency in the World Champions’ performances leading up to and including the 2023 World Cup. There’s been a special level of mutual trust in the camp between technical staff and players, culminating in glory in Paris.
Are England the biggest Rugby World Cup chokers?
The William Webb Ellis trophy isn’t for everyone. South Africa has four titles, the most of any nation. France and England share the dubious honour of having lost the most finals, three apiece. Is England the biggest choker in history? The Springboks got the better of them in 2023’s verve-jangling semi-final after eventually defeating France 29-28 in what will go down as one of rugby’s greatest-ever matches. For what it’s worth, the Springboks have never lost a final.
Rassie took the Boks back from the brink
What’s the next hurdle for the Springboks?
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/springboks-have-made-england-their-little-b-at-world-cups/
