In the aftermath of the Springboks’ win over France, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel and Pieter-Steph du Toit shared their thoughts on the upcoming World Cup semi-final with England.
A sensational 29-28 comeback quarter-final victory for the world champions over tournament hosts France on Sunday has set up a mouth-watering last-four duel against England in Paris on Saturday night.
De Klerk acknowledged the challenge that awaits as the Boks prepare to face a resurgent England in a rematch of the 2019 final.
“We have played against England a lot. Obviously they have been struggling before the World Cup but they have definitely started to turn things around,” the scrumhalf told reporters post-match.
“It is going to be a very big, tough challenge, especially with a six-day turnaround. We just have to focus on recovery and make sure we are ready for that.”
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Blindside flanker Du Toit, too, addressed the renewed England side, recognising their altered coaching staff and system: “They have a new coaching staff and a new system as well.
“We will have to start checking that stuff out, although I’m sure our staff are already doing that.
“It’s very exciting. It’s another opportunity to do ourselves and our country proud. They have won every game. A World Cup is different when you get to knockout matches and they have taken their opportunities. Hopefully we will do that against England as well.
“The ball can go either way. We just have to make sure we are better prepared and stick to our plan.”
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Reflecting on Sunday’s win over Les Bleus at Stade de France, Kriel spoke about the Boks’ desire to rectify their loss to the French just 11 months ago.
The outside centre also provided insight into his own physical toll during the match, mentioning that he had sustained multiple cuts.
“Yah, I got a few, I don’t know how many, it’s quite a big cut. I don’t know, I think just hitting a guy’s hip or something, a bit of bone on bone. Luckily it’s all good and it was just a cut. Luckily these things heal,” he said.
“The most important thing is we got the result, we got what we came here for tonight. There is still a lot of rugby to be played in this tournament, another two big games and obviously not looking past next week and semi-finals.
“It’s just about getting back to the drawing board tomorrow and getting the bodies fresh and all eyes on Saturday.”
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