Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says it’s a travesty that either the Springboks or All Blacks could be sent packing in the quarter-finals of next year’s World Cup.
The 2023 World Cup finalists are on course for another blockbuster clash at the tournament after being placed on the same side of the knockout bracket if they win their respective pools. South Africa’s toughest pool opponent will be Italy, while New Zealand face hosts Australia.
With the two heavyweights currently ranked as the top two teams in the world, Mallett believes they should have the opportunity to meet in the final rather than potentially knocking each other out in the last eight.
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Speaking on SuperSport’s Final Whistle presents Side Entry show after the Springboks’ 29-24 victory over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, former Bok lock Victor Matfield said, “It’s a pity for me that we’ll probably face each other in that quarter-final in the World Cup.”
Mallett, however, was more emphatic.
“It’s scandalous; it’s not a pity,” he said.
Matfield agreed: “It’s the two best teams in the world; they should get to a final if they win all their games.”
Meanwhile, Matfield believes the All Blacks are beginning to close the gap under coach Dave Rennie despite suffering back-to-back defeats to the Boks, but says Saturday’s fourth and final Test in Baltimore will provide another important examination.
“That’s going to be a tough match, but I think they’re catching up – something is happening there with the culture within the group,” he said.
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Photo: Tom Jenkins/Getty Images
The post Mallett slams ‘scandalous’ World Cup draw appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says it’s a travesty that either the Springboks or All Blacks could be sent packing in the quarter-finals of next year’s World Cup.
The post Mallett slams ‘scandalous’ World Cup draw appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
