France have taken a subtle swipe at South Africa ahead of their potential World Cup quarter-final clash by saying the Springboks are not “supermen”.
South Africa’s 13-8 loss to Ireland means that the Boks are set to finish second in Pool B, with one round of fixtures to go.
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As unbeaten France are sitting on top of Pool A and face Italy in their final pool match, a clash between Les Bleus and the Boks appears destined in the quarter-finals.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, French prop Reda Wardi was asked about the Springboks as potential playoff opponents.
“We know they have a huge forward pack,” Wardi said. “When they go for a seven-one bench split, you can expect that they want to bring physicality.
“They are high-level rugby players but not supermen.”
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Watching as Ireland fought through South Africa’s seven replacement forwards in the second half, Wardi said he wasn’t surprised by how the Irish reacted.
“With La Rochelle, we’re used to playing against Leinster, a club with many international players. This team never gives up,” he said.
“The South Africans are warriors, as we all know. Both teams showed that they are big nations of the international rugby.”
Photo: CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP