South Africa has the opportunity to become the first nation to win the Webb Ellis Trophy four times when the 2023 Rugby World Cup takes place in France.
Will they perform? Three reasons why the Springboks can win the Rugby World Cup are listed below.
Previous Performances
South Africa has a history of success at the Rugby World Cup, as seen by their numerous records.
The Springboks have a perfect record in finals, having won the Webb Ellis trophy in 1995 in South Africa, 2007 in France, and 2019 in Japan. Additionally, they have the highest victories percentage ratio of any nation, 43%, compared to New Zealand’s 33%.
In addition, they reached the semi-finals in 1999 and 2015, where they placed third, and the quarterfinals in 2003 and 2011.
South Africa has demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level each time they have participated in the Rugby World Cup, making them a strong candidate to retain their title in 2023.
Tested and Proven Leadership
South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, head coach Jacques Nienaber, and captain Siya Kolisi remain at the helm of the Springboks as they prepare for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Since 2018, their accomplishments have been spectacular, with Siya Kolisi serving as captain for all three victories: the 2019 Rugby Championship, the 2019 Rugby World Cup under then-coach Rassie Erasmus, and the 2021 British and Irish Lions test series under Jacques Nienaber.
The experience of Erasmus, Nienaber, and Kolisi will be vital to the Springboks as they strive to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups for the first time since New Zealand in 2011 and 2015.
In addition, South Africa has the opportunity to become the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times in just eight tournaments and move ahead of their bitter rivals New Zealand by one.
Profundity and Flexibility
The South African rugby team has a large number of flexible players that can play in a variety of positions, which is vital for any team seeking to win the World Cup.
The nucleus of any Springbok side has always been the power of their pack of forwards and the use of a 6/2 ratio of forwards to backs on the bench, called the Bomb Squad due to their impact on the game.
Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, and Trevor Nyakane are the typical starting front-row players, with Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, and Vincent Koch substituting for them throughout games.
Pieter-Steph Du Toit and Franco Mostert are as adept at playing flank or lock, providing outstanding protection for the towering Lood de Jager and Eben Ezerbeth.
Jasper Wiese has established as the number eight of choice, with rising sensation Evan Roos and utility attacker Kwagga Smith providing backup.
Nienaber is spoiled with choice at scrum-half, as Jaden Hendrikse, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, and Elton Jantjies are all competent of carrying out the Springboks’ game plan.
Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse presented themselves as deserving replacements for Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi.
Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel have proved their ability to replace the first-choice center tandem of Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende.
Damian Willemse and Willie le Roux have solidified their positions at fullback, while veteran Frans Steyn is on standby.
The Springboks’ only issue heading into the World Cup in France will be the fly-half position.
Handre Pollard was hurt in the third round of the 2022 Rugby Championship and on his debut for the Leicester Tigers, causing him to miss the November tour with the Springboks.
Damian Willemse stepped up to the bat and delivered a spectacular performance. The kick-for-poles duties are divided by scrum-half Faf de Klerk, winger Cheslin Kolbe, and Frans Steyn because to his lackluster placekicking.
Nienaber might look to Stormers fly-half Manie Libbok to serve as Pollard’s replacement in the 2023 Rugby World Cup if Elton Jantjies is ruled ineligible due to off-field behavior
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