Following their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal triumph against France, the Springboks left England in awe.
To secure their spot in the semifinals earlier in the day, England had fought past Fiji.
RESPECT FOR SPRINGBOKS IS SHOWN BY ENGLAND
Kevin Sinfield, the defense coach, commented on the performance of the Springboks.
The physicality they brought to the game on Saturday left us speechless, Sinfield told reporters.
It was a wonderful representation of what rugby is all about.
“We have the utmost respect for them,” he added.
Sinfield doesn’t believe that England’s final loss to the Springboks in 2019 will be a factor this time around.
“I think some will use it and I think some won’t be bothered at all because a lot has changed in four years,” Sinfield said, of the defeat in the 2019 final.
“I know they have a lot of continuity in their coaching team and a lot of their players, but we’re in 2023 now.
“We’re in France, in Paris, and we look forward to this weekend,” he added.
Sinfield says that it isn’t his job to worry about England being written off ahead of the game despite being the only unbeaten team left in the competition.
“I’m not too bothered. It doesn’t matter to me,” Sinfield said.
“Our focus is trying to support, help and influence our players to be the best they can be at the weekend.
“We know we need to improve again for the weekend to try and get the job done,” he added.
NO 8 PUTS IN STAR TURN
Sinfield had special praise for England No 8 Ben Earl who has been their star man so far.
“He has been one of the standout players across the tournament,” Sinfield said.
“If you named a World 15 at this time he would be close to getting in it.
“The minutes he has played for us, the ground he has covered, he has done a great job for us.”
The Springboks face England from 21:00 on Saturday 21 October 2023.
