1
'Subconsciously, it's the final the Northern Hemisphere really wanted'
By Ned Lester
The world’s two most storied Rugby World Cup teams will come together in a final for the first time since 1995, having each dismissed the best of Europe’s rugby talent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite an immensely successful four years for both France and Ireland, neither side could overcome the Rugby World Cup-winning experience that South Africa and New Zealand both boast.
The quarter-finals saw two powerhouses fall, leaving the Southern Hemisphere with the bragging rights for another World Cup cycle.
Former Springbok captain John Smit made his international debut five years after that famous Springbok win in 1995, the legend commented on the rivalry between the two great nations making this a final for the ages.
“Subconsciously, it’s the final the Northern Hemisphere really wanted,” Smit laughed, speaking to the Front Row Daily Show.
“I always talk about how you get two debuts; the first time you play for South Africa and then obviously the first time you face the haka.
“I think it’s really just built around the respect, over 100 years, and it’s not just the rugby field, it’s the history behind the two teams.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I also think it’s the comradery, we absolutely go hammer and tongs for 80 minutes and it’s the first team that we want to be in our changing room for a beer.
“I just don’t think that there’s that kind of rivalry between two teams that is so intense for 80 minutes and yet so connected afterwards. I think that’s where the specialness lies.”
The Springboks have named a 7-1 bench split for the final, an unheard-of tactic prior to the World Cup warm-ups.
Rolling out just one back reserve at Twickenham back in August, the Springboks pummelled the All Blacks, claiming the greatest-ever winning margin over the Kiwis.
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s the latest Rassie Erasmus rugby innovation, the creative Director of Rugby has a long history of pushing boundaries and seeking out opportunities to be a step ahead.
Smit witnessed the unapologetic drive for success first-hand back in Erasmus’ playing days.
“The only thing that you can say with absolute certainty about Rassie Erasmus is you can be certain of nothing that he’s going to do next.
“He’s always just one step ahead. As a player, when he was playing under Nick Mallett, there was no analysis systems and all these new software. He went and bought his own system and started doing his own analysis while playing for the Springboks. And then, he started giving feedback to Nick Mallett, the coach.
“He always tries to be one step ahead and he’s been pretty good at getting it right most of the time.
“He always finds a way, especially with this group, to get them in the right space mentally. He just knows which buttons to press.
“We’ve seen a Springbok team that always only ever did one thing, which is bash and kicked but this team has done a few things, they have innovated. Every week we see some new move, something out of the box. Like that lineout when they played straight down to Kurt-Lee (Arendse), there’s always something going on.”
Ka mate
Ka mate
All the way to 2027
The experience was a factor but and even the experience of playing and winning a quarter final would have benefited Ireland and France massively. This was not possible due to the draw so Ireland and France had to play world cup winner standard teams in the quarter final. This ridiculous draw has been going on since 2003. Note also that as far as I can see NZ/SA/AUS/ENG never had to play their main pool rivals the week before a quarter.
It only gets resolved when the most extreme situation emerges involving NZ/SA.
I don’t know why Smit is on about the NH psychologically wanting a SH final? Saffers are funny compared to the dour Kiwis but that’s poor if its a windup.
Us NH-ers definitely put in our place again! Ireland improving loads but still not got that Kiwi/Saffer killer spirit at that RWC knockout level & it showed as we played below our normal level in the knockout stages as we have everytime in QFs except 1991 when we played better than normal. Sure we came close but it was against ABs suffering with 2 harsh YCs & our two tries (3rd was a penalty try) scored by Kiwis FFS. Deep down I dont think many of the the team were looking forward to it, they didnt look they were enjoying it, almost took it too seriously (JS), were over emotional & messed up basics all over the place, probably let NZ get in their heads too possibly due to some of our players behaviour last time in NZ being trappy. Gotta back that talk up. ABs looked like they were loving it, relishing it but not many of us. Farrell been fantastic & team come on so much since the bad old days. Some awesome players coming thru too plus our foreign legion of imported players ha ha. Maybe next time! NZ & SA awesome…I’ve got 3 rugby tops, Ireland, Connacht & SA (gift from a Bok friend) so am cheering Boks but may the best team win.
Stu Kaaaanti Fat Barnes and Sir Clive Woodward. They will wait another 159 years. For Ireland I don't know.
He surprised me. I expected the same bench with Pollard on it. Wonder if the coach overruled him this time?
Hahaha John Smit lol. In truth the Northern Hemisphere scribes, pundits, & fans, prematurely ejaculated themselves to RWC glory before the first ball was kicked off. When will they ever learn?