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EPIC BATTLE: BOKS KICK-START THEIR RUGBY WORLD CUP DEFENSE AGAINST UNPREDICTABLE SCOTLAND
By Sports Reporter
Scrumhalf Grant Williams has played down the relevance of the Springboks’ mauling of the All Blacks ahead of the defending champions’ World Cup opener on Sunday.
An epic battle is expected to play out between South Africa – ranked second in the world – and the fifth-ranked Scotland in Marseille, with both teams desperate to win the clash with challenging matches against world No 1, Ireland, Tonga and Romania still to come in the pool stages.
The Boks completed their World Cup preparations with a record 35-7 win against New Zealand at a sold-out Twickenham almost two weeks ago, laying down the perfect marker as SA chases an unprecedented fourth World Cup title.
Asked in a media conference this week whether the Boks will take momentum into Sunday’s clash after their historic thrashing of the Kiwis, Williams told reporters: “You’re only as good as your next game.
“A World Cup is starting now, so the next job for us is Scotland and I don’t think anyone is still dwelling on the All Blacks game. “Every team starts on zero. It’s two teams against each other, it’s Springboks versus Scotland on Sunday. You can’t put any favourites on who’s going to be dominant or who’s going to win.”
On fearing a head injury on his first start in the green and gold during this year’s Rugby Championship would rule him out of selection for France 2023, the five-Test halfback added: “I played the whole championship, [against] Australia and New Zealand, and Argentina was my first start, so I really thought that I was gaining momentum and when that incident happened I felt like that was my opportunity gone.
“I was quite emotional because I wanted to use that opportunity. It happened in the first 10 seconds, so that was my game.
“I’m so happy that I can be here and still be part of the squad. Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids weighed in calling on the Boks to be sharp in all aspects of their game against Scotland. in Marseille on Sunday to achieve the desired result as they launch their title defence in France this week.
“Every team has their own strengths, and from our perspective, nothing has changed in terms of that,” said Davids.
“Scotland are a good team, so we have to be the best in the way we do things and ensure we stand our ground in each department in this match.
“They play with intensity and there is a good understanding between their players. They also pose threats with or without ball in hand, so as a team we need to be on top of how we control the pressure. “This game will be about dominance, physicality and alignment in the way we do things.”
The match against Scotland kicks off at 17h45. – Additional reporting Rugby SA News
