The 2023 Rugby World Cup is in full swing and host nation France have set the tone with an important win over tournament favorites New Zealand.
Les Bleus disposed the three-time world champions All Blacks 27-13 during their opening Pool A match in front of a fully packed Stade de France crowd in Paris on Friday night.
Despite starting the game on a front foot and needing fewer than three minutes to score a try through Mark Telea, it was not enough for New Zealand. A resilient French attack and defense proved to be too strong for them.
The Springboks will also have an opportunity to send a thunderous message of their own to the rest of the world when they lock horns against Scotland on Sunday.
With millions of South Africans set to watch the global showpiece on their SABC screens, minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa wished the reigning world champions well. He is confident that they will retain their Webb Ellis title.
“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity,” Kodwa said in a statement on Friday.
“This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.
“The current Springboks represent this country’s diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances.
“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the world cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!”
Ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, Boks coach Jacques Nienaber said he is expecting a close tussle against Scotland and that his side needs to be sharp in all aspects of the game.
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