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The All Blacks take on the Boks on Saturday afternoon London time. Here are five reasons why the South Africans could pull off an upset victory.
1) Meyer knows how to play mind games
Heyneke Meyer has already started doing his job – trying to upstage the mighty Kiwis as early as he can with mind-games. He said, “Usually after the World Cup there’s a decline in performance but they just got better, which just doesn’t happen in world rugby.”
“For South Africa it’s probably the biggest test ever, playing the All Blacks at their best.”
Meyer is fully conscious that simply trying to defeat the All Blacks on the field, the same team which thrashed France 62-13, is an improbable reality.
He wants to take the attention away from media speculations and wants his side to focus on just their business.
2) Meyer seems to have realised his mistakes
“I want the players to be very, very excited, but I don’t want to put too much emotion on it. I’ve learnt from my mistakes. Everyone wants to try something different against the All Blacks, but it’s more important to go out on the field and do what you’re meant to do.”
The Springboks have to ensure that they don’t get carried away by the prospect and the pressure of resurrecting their record, which as of now looks too one-sided.
So far, they have done well but facing the #1 team in such a sparkling form is an entirely different prospect.
3) South Africa can play under pressure and eke out narrow wins
The win against Wales was one such instance. South Africa and their skipper Fourie Du Preez showed exemplary patience and calmness to score the final point to seal a semi-final spot.
The Springboks have endured a roller-coaster tournament, but it might just turn out to be the thing that gives them the chance. They know how to dominate (against USA), they know how costly last-ditch mistakes can be (against Japan) and lastly they know how to eke out narrow wins (against Wales).
4) The Springboks are perhaps the only side to trounce the All-Blacks
Though some suggest the Wallabies are the closest of the Kiwis’ rivals but for many Kiwis the men from Africa are the ones they want to beat most.
The All Blacks may be nervous and will have plenty of pressure on them as the tournament favourite.
5) The heartbreak from the Cricket World Cup might inspire the Springboks
Who can forget the semi-final heartbreak, the streaming eyes, the comforting arms and desperate disillusion of the AB De Villiers-led Proteas in Auckland?
They left it all out on the field but harsh reality and a stronger opposition buried their heart and hope. So for the du Preez-led Springboks, they could save the hurt pride of South African sport.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.