The Springboks, like New Zealand did to Italy, will thump Tonga in the World Cup on Sunday, and it’s crazy to suggest otherwise, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that the All Blacks’ 96-17 rout of the Azzurri in the World Cup Pool A clash was a statement performance, showcasing the attacking style synonymous with New Zealand rugby.
He acknowledges the All Blacks’ fragile form leading up to the Pool A clash but stresses that Italy, ranked outside the world’s top 10, was never going to beat the Kiwis, emphasising that this result won’t have any bearing on the knockout stages of the tournament.
“It was Super Rugby on steroids. But it was not World Cup playoff preparation,” Keohane writes. “Read nothing into the All Blacks win, other than they will play in the quarter-finals.
“Earlier in the week, so many people asked me if the All Blacks could beat Italy. What, has the world gone mad?”
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Keohane, too, dismisses the notion that the Boks may struggle against Tonga, pointing to the Pacific Islanders’ previous Pool B losses to Ireland and Scotland.
He expects a decisive win for the world champions with the focus on individual performances, particularly Handre Pollard’s goal-kicking, Deon Fourie’s lineout skills, and Canan Moodie’s performance at No 13.
“If you do the math, given the Boks shut Scotland down 18-3, it should – and will – be a 40-plus win for the Boks,” Keohane writes.
“The result of the Boks’ final Pool game against Tonga is not a discussion.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter