Springbok legend Bryan Habana believes it’s expected that South Africa, even as reigning world champions, will fly to France “under the radar”.
Historically, the Boks have delivered at World Cups when dismissed as title-contenders, and several former internationals have all but written off the South Africans’ chances of defending the Webb Ellis Cup in less than three months’ time.
And Habana, when asked by Virgin Media Sport for his 2023 World Cup predictions, rated SA and the All Blacks as underdogs, and top-ranked Ireland as tournament favourites.
“For this Irish team, under Andy Farrell and with the likes of Johnny Sexton coming back from injury, you do believe this is sort of their moment to grab glory,” the 2007 World cup winner said.
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“This is probably going to be the toughest World Cup to win, if you look at the pool games, who you have to progress passed, and both New Zealand and SA both potentially coming in as underdogs in comparison to France or Ireland.
“South Africa, very much like 2019, is coming in under the radar.
“Yes, there are injury doubts hanging over one or two players but that being said, with what Jacques Nienaber has done in terms of exploring a wider community of players over the last four years and building a base from players he can select from … so hopefully that bodes well.
“Coming in under the radar as South Africans is never a bad thing; I don’t think we’ve ever gone into any tournament as a favourite.”
? “Rugby World Cup 2023 is going to be toughest Rugby World Cup ever to win.
? “You do believe it’s Ireland’s moment.
? “South Africa are coming in under the radar.
Springboks legend Bryan Habana looking ahead to this year’s RWC which begins in 100 days!#RWC2023 | #100DTG pic.twitter.com/umrOYSLqT2
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 31, 2023
Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images