Nienaber spells out the 'main difference' between the 2019 and 2023 Boks

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has outlined the difference between the triumphant squad of 2019 and the 2023 vintage who are looking to replicate their feat.

The Boks headed to Cardiff yesterday for their upcoming warm-up with Wales as the first stop on their way to France for the Rugby World Cup in September. After facing Warren Gatland’s Wales face next Saturday, they take on New Zealand in London the following Friday (25 August), in their last two warm-up games before departing for a week-long training camp in Corsica en route to their tournament base in Toulon.

The opening match is against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday, 10 September. Reflecting on the 2019 title-winning victory that they plan to defend, Nienaber explained the main difference between the two sides.

“The main difference between the 2019 RWC and this one is that there is a little more expectation on us now,” stated Nienaber. “As a team we’ve built more squad depth over the last few years, but the expectations are not a burden, it’s a privilege.

“In the last few weeks, we’ve attended a few functions and we’ve heard all the messages from our partners, dignitaries, and the public, so we realize how much support we have. We understand the expectations and we embrace it.

“The beauty of this squad is that we have quite a lot of experience,” Nienaber added. “We have nine players participating in their third Rugby World Cup, and a whole lot in their second. So perhaps only a third of the squad is going into their first World Cup.”

Injured Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also acknowledged the team’s changed circumstances: “We are entering this World Cup as defending champions, whereas we were the underdogs the last time. We may not be underdogs this time, but we are not the favourites.

“That said, we know what to expect this time and we have a lot more experience as a group. Even the younger players are not entering this competition blindly because there are several experienced players around them to guide them. All in all, we are in a better mental place this time.”

“Every time we enter the World Cup, there are some challenges in the country, and we have the power to try to change people’s emotions and put smiles on their faces if we do well.”

He added that the team’s diverse backgrounds united them in their goal to provide hope and inspiration.

“Every time we enter the World Cup there are some challenges in the country, and we have the power to try to change people’s emotions and put smiles on their faces if we do well,” said Kolisi. “As a team we come from such diverse backgrounds, and it makes us feel good to give people hope.”