‘Only Boks can upset All Blacks’

Four former Springboks on who they think will advance to the World Cup final at Twickenham.

Robbie Kempson (former Bok prop)

‘The Springboks and Wallabies. For the Boks to win against the All Blacks they need to keep it tight and attack with brute force up front, and put up a strong defensive line. They are the only remaining team that can beat the All Blacks and cause what would be seen as an upset. The older players in the side need to galvanise the younger players if the Boks are to come out victorious on Saturday. Even though Australia had a tougher than expected game against Scotland last Sunday, I think they will do well against Argentina in their semi-final. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will do his homework on Argentina and not leave anything to chance. It is not going to be your typical knockout game, it will be more expansive and an incredible game to watch. Both flyhalves [Bernard Foley and Nicolás Sánchez] will have big roles to play and both forward packs will have to exert their dominance to gain the upper hand. Ultimately, I think [Wallabies fetcher] David Pocock will be the deciding factor in the game – if he starts on Sunday I think Australia will win.’

Thinus Delport (former Bok fullback)

'The All Blacks and Wallabies will contest the final. As much as I want to see the Springboks there, I reckon the All Blacks will progress from the first semi-final. And I need to say that's a pick made with the head, because the heart screams Boks. New Zealand have had a fantastic year and are the team to beat. What will tip the scales in South Africa's favour is if the weather plays up. We'll have a bigger chance of rolling them over if it's wet and windy on Saturday. I back the Wallabies to overcome a spirited and passionate Argentina side. The Australian backs will have too much firepower and with David Pocock back, the Wallabies will have the physicality at the breakdown that Ireland lacked against the Pumas.'

Christiaan Scholtz (former Bok centre)

'The Springboks and Argentina will reach the final. I don't understand why nobody is giving the Boks a chance. They are the one team that can beat the All Blacks. New Zealand showed a lot of skill against a France side that offered little in defence. They'll be up against a much tighter defence this week and there won't be as much space for them to exploit, which evens things out. Argentina are the dark horses in this World Cup. Their passion and drive is unrivalled and I feel they have what it takes to beat Australia, who scraped through against Scotland by the skin of their teeth.'

Stefan Terblanche (former Bok wing)

‘Australia have been my pick to win this World Cup from the start, but after Argentina’s passionate performance against Ireland I think the contest with the Pumas will be a lot tougher than anyone had anticipated. But I believe that the combination of the current form of the Wallabies and their coach Michael Cheika will prove too much for Argentina on Sunday. I still think Australia will win overall as both their World Cup wins have been in the northern hemisphere. The Springboks and All Blacks is a tough one to call. I think it’s 50-50.'

Photo: Gavin Barker/Gallo Images

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