Rugby Pod Preview RWC Final | All Blacks V South Africa with Former Springboks Francois Louw

[@johannblignaut1966]

🇿🇦Saw my first SA v NZ test in 1960.Since then not missed a test.Either on radio TV or attending.Have learnt to appreciate the heroic in either side.Just privileged to have watched this rivalry over decades.My advice to Boks:Stand still when the Haka is performed.Respect it and get your energy from facing it.Wishing no cards or injuries or poor decisions to either side.The battle and rivalry continues.

[@Luke77h]

The thing I loved about this World Cup was New Zealand screaming for South Africa to beat France and South Africans screaming for New Zealand to beat Ireland. I've never seen this kind of support for the South ❤

[@business3867]

The South remembers.

[@richardmatatahi4563]

Really as a kiwi I wanted Ireland to win against South Africa and Top pool B, All Blacks had already lost to France and 2nd in pool A, all the All Blacks had to do is finish with 3 bonus point wins to ensure they remained in 2nd, so it was. and South Africa got host France QF 2, It was probably better cause we got who we wanted, unfinished bussiness with Ireland. and more importantly avoided 2 SH teams clashing in the QF's instead the 2 top NH teams were gone. Couldn't had qoeked out any better with 3 SH teams in the Semi's

[@EmmanuleGoldstone]

Francois Louw....Legend & legenedary, thank you for the wonderful memories and proud moments you & your band of brothers brought to me personally and all of us in South Africa. Much love

[@LonaSomlota]

You can't help but think about how bad ass it will be if the springboks win regardless of the run they have had. Just imagine

[@South_Affy]

Hollywood called and they want the Springboks to win for a perfect movie ending.

[@kelsyn21]

Invictus is a trash movie

[@sbok9481]

​@@kelsyn21At least we have a movie. Do you have one?

[@obi-nt8ed]

​@sbok9481 Yes, we do about beaver, Steven Donald winning the 2011 cup he was white baiting and got the call up ,he had to give Henry some white bait for a spot😅

[@charmelbhagdath9239]

@@obi-nt8ed But was it directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon ? Your Character was not Nelson Mandela and probably played by Chuck Norris.

[@South_Affy]

The script wrote itself. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

[@dollarthief9665]

Remarkable that the two most successful sides in World cup history are only meeting in the final for the second time.

[@Canvashed]

And one of lowest viewing figures for a RWC final

[@leonnortje8330]

@@Canvashed South Africa (and the rest of Africa) and New Zealand will be watching. That is all that matters.

[@Forcez89]

@@Canvashedlol keep hating because you crashed out mate

[@YallNotWhite_YourPINK]

​@@Canvashedsalty pom who's mad his garbage nation won't be winning another world cup 😂

[@samgreer8274]

@@Canvashed I don't care if theres 2 people in the stands, I'm watching that game. These ARE the two best teams.

[@jfn3362]

The springboks had two massive games prior to the world cup and one hell of a road to the finals. They are running on empty win or lose RESPECT!!!

[@MrBlack_nz]

As an AB fan I respect it but at the end of the day no one cares. 07 South Africa played England twice(they beat them in the pool 36-0) Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, USA and Argentina. 2019 it was Namibia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Wales and then England after they played New Zealand in the semi.

[@jfn3362]

@@MrBlack_nz if you don’t care then you don’t respect. If this is your opinion then i’m glad for you. Sorry your team has to pay an inferior team this weekend, wat a disappointment that must be but who cares

[@rugbymandan]

Funny to see how consistently SA gloats when they win and blames the ref when they lose

[@jfn3362]

@@rugbymandan not sure what about my comment was about a reff or about gloating and yet here you are? I was merely concerned about the state of the springboks

[@jfn3362]

@@MrBlack_nz again no one cares

[@lkuc06]

This game will live on for a generation as 95' has done. The magnitude of it will be hard to understand for the average viewer but these two teams have arguably the most fiercest rivalry in rugby and have played this amazing game at the most elite level. Fans are in for a treat this weekend may the best team win.

[@davidkelly790]

I'd say that this is one of sports great rivalries

[@Bongz187]

Luv these guys proper unbiased analysis through out the tournament

[@kiwimark3875]

Agree a good show but that bloke in the blue sweater is a bit salty and carrying some baggage. Someone give him a hug.

[@Aurora..Borealis]

Looking forward to this clash of the titans! Super respect for the incredible All Blacks! 🇿🇦

[@mosese1111]

If SA win this Sat I would rate this as the greatest RWC winners off the route they have had to take to make it - they have effectively played knockout rugby since the pool games. I doubt if they can match the energy again but if they can and win it - hats off to them and to their will to win.

[@samgreer8274]

I would have to agree. But hopefully we win. Lets go All Blacks!

[@sifisomagagula5476]

The energy against the ABs is natural. It doesn’t matter what happened last week, when it’s the All Blacks the players are self-motivated

[@interestedbystander196]

Agreed. They will have earned it!

[@pzee9732]

They only had to beat France. They lost their only hard game against Ireland in the pool and then won narrowly against France and was fortunate. Had a easy semi final against England.

[@sifisomagagula5476]

@@pzee9732 Cry me a river 😭

[@willem8b873]

SA played a tough road to this final and if they win this then they definitely deserve it. Not to take anything away from NZ they are an elite group of players and also deserve it just as much. As a SA supporter I, believe in our boys' will to win and the great rugby mind of Rassie to take us all the way

[@maximl8820]

Loads of respect for SA but NZ will win

[@ramoncoutriers]

Its a tough game to call. Its deeper then just rugby. Both teams do it for pride of their country

[@morneviljoen4789]

This was a report about the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final - “This year’s Rugby World Cup Final will take place on Saturday between the rampant All Blacks and their traditional rivals, the Springboks. The All Blacks stormed into yet another final with a try-fest as their star winger, and tournament-leading try scorer, ran in a hat trick of tries against their hapless opposition. The Springboks, however, narrowly scraped through their rain-drenched semi-final, with a lone try ultimately deciding the result. Unconvincing at times throughout the tournament, the Springboks face a mighty challenge in trying to stop their much-favoured opponents this weekend ..."

[@interestedbystander196]

Wow!!! History repeating or what?

[@gregpaul9144]

Irrelevant…Susie sorted 95 out for you guys, the AB’s were by far the best team at that tournament so moving right along… This year? There’s nothing in it apart from who wants it most imo…either way, whoever wins will be deserving World Champions 🖤🖤🖤

[@tilmanvondelft7461]

@@gregpaul9144😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnjames6620]

@@gregpaul9144 Sour grapes! If the AB's got food poisoning in 1995 they would not have been on the field. My son recently got food poisoning. He was admitted to hospital for 3 days and nearly lost a kidney. It's possible they got diarrhea which you can get in SA from tap water, especially in outlying areas.

[@stephdegoede8316]

It is quite simple really... will the Boks be exhausted and overcooked from playing France, Ireland, Scotland, England and Tonga, with nothing left in the tank. OR, will they be battle hardened and emotionally ready for anything? In essence, this week is ALL about player management for the Boks.

[@jacoburger3456]

Tricky this, they've got such a good bunch on reserves, but do you take the gamble and disrupt this lineup?

[@whokilledjr3719]

On the flip side, had the Allblacks played the same teams, would they be as exhausted as the boks or would they still be relatively fresh? In all likelihood, they would have made short work of Tonga, Scotland and likely had an easier time against England, so perhaps this "Boks is tired" dilemma is an excuse for a Boks team that just aren't as good.

[@johnnieolivier1010]

​@@jacoburger3456they proud themselves in the depth they've built over the last four years. Based on that I'll change 4 of the 8 leaving Mbonambi, Kolisi, Mostert and Du Toit to start with Ox, Koch, RG and Wiese.On the bench will be Kitshoff, Fourie, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Smith and Vermeulen

[@stefwessels955]

​@@whokilledjr3719 fighting talk 😂35-7 mate. Don't underestimate the boks or yall have egg on your face.. Again

[@whokilledjr3719]

@@stefwessels955 dead rubber match against 14 players. all blacks have beaten the boks by more plenty of times, have a positive record against the boks, win more super rugby and rugby championships and the better team on paper. Let’s see what happens this weekend

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Thank you for some NH analysis without Springbok hate. Its refreshing

[@ktm690endurorally]

Super proud of our boys for reaching the final, had a massive tournament up to this point. Nothing humiliating or bad going down in a final to a great ABs side that’s also fresh and fit and ready for a final.

[@stevedavidson666]

And in the wet.

[@rugbymandan]

That and SA’s mvp is missing, Ben can’t ref NZ

[@laurenmaloy6155]

@@rugbymandanmost 50/50 decisions went England’s way. Also, SA lost against Ireland with Ben reffing

[@rugbymandan]

@@laurenmaloy6155 I was referring to the France game, where SA not only got every 50/50 call but also a few that weren’t 50/50 but somehow still went their way. Frustrating that the biggest whingers about refs are getting more than their share of ref calls - and they don’t have the wherewithal to recognise it

[@laurenmaloy6155]

@@rugbymandan people complain about SA fans complaining about the ref, and yet all you see are other teams' supporters complaining. Ben made MANY decisions against South Africa that infuriated many South Africans, but that battle was hard fought. we've had 6 games thus far, and our scrum has been dominant in every game, especially in the second half.

[@theofilusbouwer102]

This is a damn long week, cant wait for Saturday. These two giants are going to be at it from kick-off.

[@5PRINGB0K]

Super nervous for the weekend, but can't wait !! Boks have had a tough road to the final, i guess the team selection will tell us a lot. Everyone seems to forget we have Esterhuizen and moody(well rested) and good depth. May the best team win.

[@wickedwaiatamusic]

The Boks have had multiple battles coming up to this final so although some are saying they looked tired, they have been primed for this final ... Our boys have been dismantled by other teams via a forward battle and the Boks have seen this and thrown their lot in by picking a forwards dominated 7-1 split ... so it'll be interesting to see what Foster's tactics will be to offset this approach. Quick ball out to the back line with chips over the top ... Lots of high balls ... Chips to the Wingers ... Tackle in pairs ... Go the All Blacks

[@actiaint]

Watch the argy first half again, the abs performance and physicality once again overlooked and underrated.

[@normanmdavis3262]

A legend Francois Louw

[@brendandubruyn533]

South Africans, by our very nature, are mentally unbreakable and battle hardened by virtue of the circumstances under which we live every day. This final epitomises who we are and how we thrive. When the going gets tough - so do we!

[@champagnelord1195]

Oh please

[@Icanbacktrailers]

That was weird

[@francoisdevries1]

"Howzit my bru" 🤣🤣

[@mjribes]

Stats attack!! The Boks and ABs have played each other 6 times since the last RWC and it's split 3-3. The average score is NZL 23-25 RSA, but with four wins by 12 or more. So it's tight on average, but with a not insignificant chance of a blowout. Game on!!

[@christoduplessis8177]

South Africa coming through a rough semi final in wet conditions where they scrap it through to play the All Blacks in the final. We did it in 1995 guys...

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

That home crowd advantage in Johannesburg plus Mandela’s presence helped big time in 95.

[@christoduplessis8177]

@@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns 100%. Just pointing out some things that are similar. But it isn't 1995 so none of that matters!

[@sidgoing1]

God I've hated this period with Fozzie being our coach. But 14 or 15months ago the players had the option of getting rid of him and they choose to stick with him. So for me that was it. I decided to stop my moaning. Was happy the assistant changes would make a difference but sort of just accepted we probably wouldn't win the WC. Then we played SA in the rugby championship this year and everything changed for me. I could finally see what they were trying to do. Since that game, more or less I think it's been obvious we've been keeping things game plan wise in the garage. If you cannot see that then you are blind. London was a hitout, nothing more. France in the opening game...at halftime we had them on the rack. Then after halftime we came out and just kicked the ball in the air and just gave it back to them. The game plan was so dumb (even for Foster) it was obvious that game just wasn't really a big deal to them. Since then, it has just been a nice steady buildup. And this is where I give Fozzie his dues. I think his experience at previous WCs has come to play. He understands about building thru the tornament. And I think we've got this. It doesn't mean we will win, I just think they have gone about it the correct way. I think we have them in our 2nd row. I think we match them in the starting front row, maybe even slightly edge them. The replacements are a worry to me but I am hearing back hear in NZ that we are likely going to start Laulala ahead of Newall to counter Ox. That makes sense to me. It will mean we lose a bit round the field but help hold off that 2nd wave that Ox brought last week. I think Aaron Smith has been in absolute vintage form and is one of the players of the tornament. Mounga needs to stand up and this is his chance to show the world what he's made of. The one guy that scares me...its Cheslin Colby. He is not only the best winger in the world, he is one of the best players. He won the game for SA v France. It's not just the big things he does. It's the small things as well. So if it's close. He is the one I'm worried about. I do wonder if SA make a change there as well. I thought Arandse looked vulnerable against England. And I'm wondering if they see it of advantage to either swap those 2 wingers around so Kolbe is up against Talea, who does have his defensive issues and take him away from Will Jordan, who is pretty solid defensively. Or, will we even see a Lukhanyo Am come in and play left wing to mark Jordan and move Colbe to the right? Either way, I think SA need to make an adjustment there. Anyway, I think we might just have this. I'm not at all cocky. Just have a confidence that I haven't had for a while. Or put it this way...I don't think we have played our best game yet ( and yes that includes the irish game). That doesn't mean it will be on Saturday and doesn't mean that will be enough. But the one thing we know about the SA's is that you know what they will bring. Bloody tough. But we can do it. May the best team win! Enjoyed the pod. Cheers

[@RD-sp5us]

Well, after that essay, you saw the plan unfold and then they went away from the plan but it was actually an extention of the the original plan because Fozzie have learned to build nicely. Did I get that right? This is SA rushed D against NZ attack. If your plan against that work, you've got it. Speed to the breakdown, with quick ball is how Ireland and France took it to SA. The only way, I feel. You might have the edge at lineout, but if the D holds, it's not going to matter. You know what Mike Tyson thinks of a plan. What it comes down to, I feel

[@sidgoing1]

@RD-sp5us mate, if what I've written is a bit long for you then move on. If you want to discuss footy in a grown up, non condescending way then happy to. And you're missing my point with this "plan" talk. I mentioned game plan once. It is more about building your game and timing your run. That's the important part. Best of luck

[@JamesEasterbrook]

Best rugby discussion week in week out over the world cup ... bonus inclusion of Francois Louw

[@caasiemafrica1182]

In Rassie & Springboks, we TRUST and BELIEVE 🇿🇦🏆🏉

[@greglaws9953]

Such a privilege yet again, thank you

[@BruceWayne-dc4bf]

Guys, talk up them Abs... love it. Fact is Springboks were gassed last week.. but at their worst they still managed to win.

[@henkstols9326]

I cannot wait for this one, as a Bok supporter I hope we can put the AB under pressure and make it a rough evening for them.

[@hlangaful]

It's always a good omen when Jim doesn't back us...let's go bokke

[@kendrick541]

💯😂😂

[@Snekhwela]

Yes , you could totally see that the Springboks were tired .

[@bittertwistedcynicsmckay2441]

The ABs by 20. Not joking. SA exhausted.

[@vinceroos]

Write us off again. We love it🇿🇦

[@michellerobertson3268]

And how!!! 😂

[@brucefale6132]

Who's writing SA off? Where do you come up with these imaginary fairy tales? Stop playing the victim.....it's getting old.

[@lemonorangegrape999]

Who is writing you off???

[@Anonymousey0]

no ones writing you off dummy

[@barneyboy2008]

You are favourites.

[@icetroll734]

Kwagga, man crush. The man

[@oceanfar]

Vasbyt is part of South African culture. We push hard through to the end. 🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@wiseone1013]

Francois Louw is a class act and likable person. The last time South Africa played New Zealand they put on a record defeat for the AB's against all opposition. There was an early red card but ultimately the Boks were clinical and blew the AB's away. It will be close but my mind's eye can see Springboks once again surprising the Rugby world and pulling off another win. Rain or shine Boks will be victorious.

[@YallNotWhite_YourPINK]

I love how you leave out the part where the All blacks A team demolished the bokkes two weeks before that warm up match which btw had 7 changes from the All blacks squad that beat them before that warm up. But anyway rain or shine the blacks will be victorious.

[@interestedbystander196]

The "early red card" was only in the second half, and I think SA were already 21 points up by then.

[@Mikeyorself]

Boks are the best rugby foe ever. For me, going back to the Cavaliers tour of SA. Brutal games with fisty cuffs most games. Players scoring amazing tries, Andy Dalton getting his jaw broken and missing the 87 world cup, Andy Hayden threatening to take his team of the field because of bias officiating, WOW! You just don't see this type of theatre anymore. So to watch these two teams in a cup final is lip-smackingly good. Can't wait! All Blacks by 9.

[@GROSTABUSSIATEric]

Go All blacks, the best team in the rugby history!!!!

[@Yongs17]

💯

[@TG_20014]

Nope

[@christoels6748]

Love these guys! It's all about Rugby in here.

[@mariusmarais9750]

Sitting here and thinking about all these Worlds best 15 team picks, and as a South African I was privilege to see some good players, live and on TV, but the ones that stands out for me is Christian Cullen, Ian Jones, Micheal Jones, Tana Umaga, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nuno, Ruben Kruger, Joost van Der Westhuizen, Danie Gerber, Os Du Randt, Schalk Burger, ....Dam I was priviledge. To Both teams - Good luck. To Sam Cane and the AB's huge respect boys, And to Siya and the boys, PLAY THIS ONE AGAIN FOR US! Go Bokke!

[@PJSO]

I feel like the emotional toll that the Boks have will come to a head if NZ break away with 2 tries early. I hope im wrong and its a close affair. 👍🏾 Lets go Allblacks!

[@ozzysideika7840]

If NZ win would Sam Whitelock become the only player to win 3 world cups? 🤔

[@ΝΖΚ]

Yes

[@SBW_85]

Suzy better not be at our hotel, the mighty Abs by 10+ 🖤

[@johnjames6620]

And you lost again. And NZ has found someone else to blame now. Maybe its about time you take responsibiiity!

[@shaneharris904]

Hi from NZ, this final will be legendary and for me both teams are Werthy to be in this battle and both teams can win, so may the best team win. As for Foss, we all know that if USA wanted to really beat the all blacks or the Spring books their gonna need the best couch. Noone better then the world championship couch, no disrespect to the Bokks. Hey Cinderella story for the USA and for Foss, Friendship is rugby

[@bgoldberg6802]

It's the best game. Since I was a kid going back more than 50yrs. Radio was important broadcasts. New Zealand and South Africa. It's the ultimate game. SA GO BOKKE

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

New Zealand have had the weather working in their favour. South Africa have either been playing in rain or in incredible humidity when new Zealand have had so many clear nights for their games. Weather might be a huge factor

[@flammenwurst223]

Reminds me of that year in Super Rugby where the Sharks beat the Bulls at Loftus, flew to Aus and beat the Reds, flew back to SA to beat the Stormers in Cape Town, then flew to NZ to play the Chiefs (who had a by weekend) in the Final. By that point it was a cake walk for the Chiefs.

[@NomceboSithole-qv3ep]

Well.....hate to ruin it for you but our boys did it #GoBokke

[@richardmatatahi4563]

Hats off to South Africa it came down to the conversion & penalty both missed that lost the game for the All Blacks, See you guys in South Africa 2024

[@bwana4711]

Flouw is just a top notch bloke 👍👍👍👍

[@bernardadams8074]

I thought the comment about playing to Will Jordan was interesting, I don't think this is a good idea, he's a great player and will run it back at the Boks. ABs will play differently, more cagey, but if they don't it will be an AB win I think.

[@marcvandesandt4959]

SA isnt afraid of any country, we even feel quitely confident vs the All Blacks. But the AB's will always be the team making the boks doubt, no other nation can do that, even if the AB's isnt on top form ( which they are right now). I do take comfort from the 35-7 defeat though, i rate we have their number. Boks by 10

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

Love your confidence in the team. I’m quietly confident too. The Boks can do it.

[@masterq2.033]

That will be great!

[@jacovanzyl8013]

The WC SA haka and meaning: Eben Sous Reinaght Siya Am Frans (Even if it's a very rainy night we will seeyou in France) LeBok Trevor PTSD Mapimpi Kwagga Kwagga (The boks will stick out the tongue, give you trauma and break your face and nose twice) Vermeulen de Allende Kleyn Stokke van Staden (We will mincemeat you all into small sticks with no-one left standing) Second calf kort-Lee Kitsch off Ox Boks (Polly will be back and shortly in the second half there will be fresh blood and an Ox will break out of the box) Williams Willemse Jesse Jasper Willie Jaden (There will be speed, magic, smashes, big hits, sledging and it will feel like four halves) Erasmus Chesslearn Fluff both Deons Moodie (Rassie will give you a chess lesson, blow you over with like a feather, make you old and spoil your mood) Bongi Nienader Viking Vincent Melcome (Your side will get no nearer to the cup and we will be invincible, magnificent and welcome the cup back)

[@davidpeters3857]

😂😂😂🤡

[@Nkanyiso131]

I’m not sure if the Boks have enough bullets left in the clip… But if we are able to fire one last round then this victory alone will probably go down as our greatest in our history. This weekend reminds me of the 2012 Super Rugby season where the Sharks had to travel to Brisbane to play the Reds who had won the comp the previous year. After winning, their reward was a game against the Stormers in Cape Town which somehow they managed to win. And the last hurdle was the Chiefs away in New Zealand. As good as the Sharks were, they just didn’t have enough left in the tank and the Chiefs ended up winning quite comfortably. There’s a lot at stake at this weekend, Springboks have the history, All blacks have the pedigree. my gut is telling me All Blacks will win a fourth title this weekend. But we need to also remember that the Boks have never lost a final and are also looking to go back to back…

[@geckosportz]

Gonna say it again! Extra time, sudden death and then decided by kick-off! Who has had a look at the rules for that one!

[@winnielombaard8984]

The nice thing about the rivalry between our countries...it is based on respect and friendship...there can be no better final than between the two of us...Living in England - we were friends - with the Aussies of course...The Southern Hemisphere against the Northern always...of course I want SA to win, but if we do not...the best alternative you can think of is the All Blacks...or the Aussies...but not this year..

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

im predicting 27-20 to the All Blacks, watch this space ive seen a lot of rugby

[@RD-sp5us]

😂😂😂 have you seen this one? Thought so... Boks by 7

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

@@RD-sp5us yeh 7 pints

[@andrewbere-adams2410]

“Who fuckin wants some”. Love it.

[@pixelpotato4874]

Its Schmidt,Ryan,who have made the biggest difference to this All Blacks side since the Irish tour of 22

[@masterq2.033]

In the South African Ubuntu (Togetherness) spirit as Saffa I would love to prepare a pre final banquet meal for the AB's team.

[@Glider34]

Remember the RWC 1995 and those semis. Very similar outcomes to present day. Do not underestimate the springboks , they play to a different set of mental rules.

[@lizahenry3343]

You all talking about two great teams who have made it threw the QF and SF and 3x world tiltle holders! its the build up to world cups that matter even if it means losing a couple games between world cups and going into it as under dogs its experience imo.

[@Bloxnz]

For me we need to get ahead by a score then pummel it home. We cant be within a droppy in the last 20.

[@MobBarley00]

Just an FYI, a fun fact, it’s not widely known but there is actually a largish (getting smaller though) contingent of South Africans that have always, and still support the ABs over the springboks. This stems back to the apartheid days when the springboks were considered to represent the oppressive Afrikaner nation. I know this because I have family and friends that still wear the black jersey to this day!

[@davidpeters3857]

Flow,legend of a player

[@rivenwizz]

SA 7-1 bench is going to be massive. Yes SA are probably more drained but they are superbly battle hardened and the 7 forwards will give them the energy needed in the 2nd half. SA to win this but v close.

[@Astronaut-k2i]

Scotland, Ireland, France, England and New Zealand to win the final will be some feat!

[@TrezenEN]

Has to be a NZ win. They're hitting a peak and when they do that, nobody touches them.

[@markwinter7511]

History says you're wrong

[@paullandman]

Springboks had 2 "off" games already, back to a huge performance this weekend.

[@rolandleurs2287]

Sa tired? They make the most changes during the tournament, but had also the better teams against them. There will be also several changes by the boks sides for Saturday.

[@rolandleurs2287]

You can't compare games the games that the boks played VS the games that the ab's played. Beside France en Ireland they played against tier 2 level, even Argentina was a disaster. The boks played with heavy rain against England, and the one and only gameplan because of the heavy rain works for them. In all other weather conditions they never get so close. It's gonna be a great final, and that the best may win!

[@schneidervonhammer722]

A fully Fresh BOk vs NZ side, would have been a 50/50 match up. But the Boks have played every other top 6 Nation on the way to this Final - and played in the wet last weekend - I just feel they may end up like Ireland vs NZ (good but just not good enough) - ABs have had a relatively easier run to the final and should be fresher. Having said that - It is a final, and it is the traditional foes vs each other - there should be no need to lift up the intensity of the players. Boks will probably fade at some point- it will depend on their Bomb squad to possibly bail them out, Boks could freshen up with some changes but it is a bit too late for trying to introduce an Aesterhuizen or Moodie in the mix - I felt centre position is the only area Boks lack real punch. Even though DDA and Kriel have been defensively great. Team Sheets should be interesting and weather will play a huge role if it rains.

[@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns]

Lukhanyo Am is fresh. Man hasn’t played a single game & he joined the squad in France weeks ago.

[@schneidervonhammer722]

He gona stay fresh now...@@IAMJEFFREY-cw9ns

[@terencehill8145]

Fun fact,De Groots name means big in Dutch. GROOT is huge or big.

[@expressoevangelism80]

As you say, the weather will be a strong factor in this match, along with the ref and TMO. The AB’s always get away with at least 1 knock on which leads to a try. We have to just acknowledge that as a statistic. It would be lovely to sit down with a few friends and some beers and be entertained with some free running rugby. Let’s hope. As an English supporter, I just say:- Come on rugby. Today’s regulations and the English team have been ruining rugby for quite a few years now. It would be nice to think the world could learn something from a wonderful demonstration of what can be a great game.

[@meta4282]

Springboks going into the final as the obvious under dog and All Blacks being the favourites to win the final can be a good thing for SA. NZ cruised through to the final with little effort ( very impressive ), whereas SA scraped the bottom of the barrel. Might be psychologically better to know you are merely lucky enough to be in the final and that you have nothing to lose - just continue the battle as they did against Ireland, France and England. Springboks worst times have come when they were flying high in confidence.

[@drommie]

Are those dead Springboks on the wall behind Flo ?

[@ZiphoWophula-lb7se]

I'd listen to Jim Hamilton speak rugger all day long

[@brandoneloff5255]

Francois looks like a 6.5 creedmoor type of guy!

[@leovermaak7670]

23/20 For South Africa

[@johnhanson5943]

50:50 game again. Hope for another 1 point win for the Boks.

[@zerobroke2]

What a shout 😂😂

[@GlassFamily-s6j]

I think you’ve over optimistic about the ABs scrum. They haven’t faced any one of note since being thrashed by France

[@SuperEdge67]

Ireland have a fantastic scrum….that was over powered by the All Blacks.

[@garyb6096]

Love the boks....win or lose im proud....but please pull through boys. It will be the most amazing result for SA

[@ashleysoudah]

my prediction: SA winning drop goal in extra time

[@francoisvanstaden8943]

Which of these 2 teams have been more consistent over the last 2 years? South Africa. The AB's look tippety top...LOL, I would love to hear what you have to say if SA win. Remember, SA weren't at their best and still found a way to beat the best performance and English team has put together all year. We will see...

[@charlesvanonselen6251]

A bit harsh to say compare to Mt Smart game as the Boks were very ring rusty and that combination had not played together in a while. I think the AB's are in for a rude awakening! Boks love to be written off! The Boks will miss tackles because they rush the line, even if the tackle is not made straight away. It was a different story when the AB's came under pressure - that was when they began to make mistakes!

[@ThePrince24012]

The ABs are playing a style where they are basically taking the scrum out of the game where most scrums they get they have the put in and the closer it gets to the final the more i think the ABs will win NZ win the games that matter most of the time quietly confident as for 95 that's no excuse get your facts right

[@alyssastone6910]

Why is nobody talking about the weather? Looks like rain and that should suite South Africa!

[@Kiwisilverfox106]

So a team based in Africa with limited rainfall has an advantage over a team based in a country where it rains all the time?😂

[@warrenbooysen]

The best thing could’ve happened to SA is an NZ final. They looked spent against England and yes the knock out draw they were in has taken its toll. But they will lift themselves for the All Blacks. History demands it and they’ve always fronted up.

[@roaldcloete7173]

Don't think the easier path gives you an advantage, I see it the other way around

[@deadtopcat]

Hoping the boks do the job this weekend

[@petrusclaassen4353]

Psychological factors not too forget : the same two teams met at the beginning of the World Cup. And the result…. Boks 5 tries to 1 . South Africa is a country in turmoil. Never would a cup win mean so much for a country’s people than now. Rassie is the unpredictable factor and no one else can reignite the springboks like him . And, remember, the history of choking in World Cup finals is part of the All Black’s legacy. … let us wait and see.

[@howeswar]

Totally agree with you.

[@anthonyburn1010]

"History of choking in world cup finals." NZ has won 3/4 world cup finals, and only lost in 1995, which was definitely not a choke. So yeah, you are full of it.

[@raf4992]

It's probably in turmoil because it's citizens are capable of making idiotic statements like that..

[@dermotquinn]

No the pre game has no bearing.

[@kyleholworthy1121]

The more forwards the Boks have on the bench, the better our stats of winning... Boks for the win

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

delusions of grandeur

[@kyleholworthy1121]

I see the world cup came to SOUTH AFRICA.. It's not a delusion, go check it out😂😂😂

[@TG_20014]

@@plutoniumnitrate1201Whose delusional now? . This didn’t age well for you.

[@kyleholworthy1121]

7/1 split can win us this final🤞

[@Josh-Kai2626]

No ways we must go 8-0 split 🎉

[@teweraking7451]

Don't care who wins. Just want a great game.

[@quaziforus]

Were Pollard to be part of the winning team it would be his third WC. Also U19

[@adamgpreston]

32 -16 abs. Stars will A-line for the boys with there best game in 5 years with a statement win.

[@Tiza1]

Best team will win, hope it doesn't rain and ref lets 50/50 calls go so we all get a spectical!