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Nienaber's 'unique' comparison of England and France can be read two ways

South Africa's head coach Jacques Nienaber (R) and South Africa's flanker Siya Kolisi hold a press conference in Presles, north of Paris, on October 19, 2023, ahead of the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final against England. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has said his side “know what’s coming” against England on Saturday in the World Cup semi-final after likening their tactics to France’s.

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Nienaber compared the kicking game of both sides this week, describing their style as “unique”. But while he said the Springboks know what’s coming at the Stade de France, the coach also noted it is about executing their game plan on the day.

This comparison can be read two ways. On one hand, there are not many better compliments in the game currently than being likened to France, who were ranked number two in the world last week. Though England have risen to number five in the world after making the semi-finals of the World Cup, the general consensus is that they are still well behind the top four in the world. But Nienaber’s comments show the tactical similarities they have with Les Bleus, although their execution of the tactics may be different.

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WATCH as South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus talks about the pitfalls of facing England in the World Cup semifinal

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WATCH as South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus talks about the pitfalls of facing England in the World Cup semifinal

On the other hand, comparing your upcoming opponents to the team you beat just a few days ago could actually be a warning to England from the Boks. While it is probably flattering for Steve Borthwick’s side to be held in the same conversation as France, particularly as Fabien Galthie’s side beat them 53-10 at Twickenham this year, Les Bleus did ultimately fall short against the world champions in the quarter-finals. France entered their match against the Springboks as slight favourites, while England enter as heavy underdogs, so this may well be Nienaber serving England a warning.

“Like the French, they have a unique kicking game, they are comfortable not playing with the ball,” Nienaber said after naming his South Africa squad for the semi-final.

“They like to strangle you, kick the ball in your half, apply the pressure and wait for you to make a mistake. From a tactical point of view, we know what’s coming and we just need to make sure we execute on the day.”

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BoerBok 508 days ago

I find it intriguing that the style of play that the “One dimensional” Boks were accused of in the previous Worldcup (kicking game, giving the ball away, then putting pressure on opposition with strong set phases and exploiting mistakes) seems to be the dominant style adopted by a few of the NH teams. Ironically England in particular, and France did this too but added an impressive speed and attacking play .

I see no one complaining? Can we please hand over the “one dimensional” title to England who have really being working hard for this accolade?

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Ben 508 days ago

I think this will be pretty close game, England do have good kicking game and very good defensive system. Can’t wait for start. They also have no expectation for win resting on them so can play without pressure. I still think “Boks” may be bit flat after last week’s battle. Hope I’m wrong and the Bok’s come out firing like they did first quarter against France. When do England announce their team (have feeling their props may be asking for sick notes)

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Mzilikazi 33 minutes ago
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations

This performance from Ireland does not surprise me. Go back to the Emgland game last year, and the way Ireland played there. Some poor defence, especially at the death, allowing the Smith drop goal, which was from an virtually .unmissable position.


Then the AB loss in the autumn, when Ireland played as poorly as I have seen this current group play. I agree with you, Nick, when you cite the falloff in attacking/try scoring ability which started with the Lancaster / Nienaber transition.


The loss of injured players is also a factor, but I would only mention it in passing, not overplay that one. After all, France were missing their first choice centre pairing.


The Prendergast v Crowley debate. I have been in the “Crowley to start” camp from the get go, and for this game specially, I feel that strategically Crowley should have started. The Munster man just has that bit more to his game, that bit more toughness and variation. I would suspect the French coaching group were delighted to be looking at how they played the Irish staring 10 for this game.


Prendergast is a supreme passer of the ball, and ultra cool and balanced, probably the better goal kicker. But in that first half(as far as I have got in the game so far), he was caught twice in possession, once really bulldozed back by the French forwards. In addition, he made some poor kicking choices, and only once took the line on. He was too easy to read, never a line breaking threat. I have read he played out the full 80 at 10. That leaves me seething. The Irish coaching group repeating the mistake made in the RWC QF in France, with Crowley again not used to advantage.

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SK 1 hour ago
How Dupont-less France tossed a grenade into Ireland's Grand Slam celebrations

I think France have made really good improvements. They have found several players on the bench and in the wider squad who are able to now operate at the level of their starters, they have power and devastation on the bench and can change the game. Their gameplan has also evolved and they are able to stay in the fight for longer. Fitness and conditioning seems to have become primary work ons. They have worked massively on breakdown where they forced so many turnovers and always slowed down Irelands ball. How many times did you see a French hand on the ball fighting the first and second cleaner tooth and nail for access before being shoved off of it? They become like a pack of rabid dogs on turnover and transitions, they counter so much better now and you can see elements of the Bordeaux and Toulouse game written all over the team. Its almost like a swarm when they counter. They have great alignment between the Top 14 and the national team and they have a group of players who are well versed in playing this style. You could see clearly in this game why both Galthie and Erasmus now fancy a 7-1 stack against Ireland. It is by and large to overpower them and demolish their breakdown. Irelands attack has devolved. Its now more metronomic than creative. It involves phase after phase of attritional attack and hordes of possession but it lacks creativity and purpose after the second or third phase. The Ireland attack of old kept teams guessing. You didnt know if they were gonna go wide or close in, you had to worry about the offload, the inside pass, the blindside and the hooker on the wing. Now it seems like they move the ball side to side while patiently waiting for the dam wall to break. They also lack pace and bite in the outside channels without Hansen and Lowe. Nash and Osborne were not on it and they struggled to contain the outside French backs who were incredible. France had more leaders that stood up, more grit and more power and it all proved too much for Ireland to handle.

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