The Springboks must lose to Ireland in the big World Cup pool clash in Paris if they hope to retain their status as world champions, according to former lock Johann Muller.
Top-ranked Ireland will face the defending champion Springboks at the Stade de France, in a World Cup Pool B clash that will be decisive for both teams’ quarter-final ambitions.
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Both teams have won their opening two matches in the tournament and whoever comes out on top on Saturday is likely to book a quarter-final meeting with the All Blacks, who are on track to finish in second place in Pool A.
Muller, who was part of the 2007 World Cup-winning team before finishing his career in Ireland with Ulster, said he is expecting a “special game” but added that he believes the winner won’t necessarily go on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
“In one sense it’s a bit sad, that you get number one and two in the world playing each other in the pool stages. But if you want to be world champions, the best in the world, you’ve got to beat the best, it’s as simple as that,” Muller told BBC Sport NI.
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“The World Cup isn’t won this weekend, it’s also not lost this weekend. For me, this is just a step. I think it’ll be a phenomenal game, I can’t wait to watch it, but the quarter-finals, semi-finals, final, that’s when it matters.
“Here is the prediction I will make. Whoever wins this weekend won’t win the World Cup,” Muller added. “In 2019 South Africa crossed that bridge by losing in the pool stages and still winning the World Cup.
“The person who makes a prediction for this week is a very brave individual. It’s two fantastic teams who are both coached really well.”
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Photo: Paul Faith / AFP