The well-positioned Boks are looking forward to two weeks of 'sitting comfortably', resting and strategising as the rest of the Pool B teams play their final matches.
South African director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is happy to kick back and watch the final world cup pool fixtures play out, while putting pressure on Ireland to get a result against Scotland.
Having already played all four of their pool fixtures, the Boks will watch from the sidelines as Scotland and Ireland face off in the decisive match in Paris on Saturday. “Basically, as I understand it, if Scotland beat Ireland by more than eight points, and Ireland don’t get a bonus point, then Ireland is out,” Erasmus said. “We would be first, Scotland second and Ireland out. If Scotland beat Ireland 8-0, Ireland are out.“If I was Ireland, I’d definitely make sure they beat them. If Ireland finish first on net-o points, then we go through as we beat Scotland.”
“There is no arrogance saying this, but I’d rather sit here than be Ireland,” he said. “Knowing that [Ireland has] been number one in the world all the time and Scotland basically just have to beat them by eight points and they are out of the tournament.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup Pool B permutations keep Rassie Erasmus awakeErasmus openly discussed the intricate permutations surrounding the two teams from Pool B that will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Read more »
Rassie: Playoff pressure on IrelandRassie Erasmus is happy to kick back and watch the final World Cup pool fixtures play out, while putting pressure on Ireland to get a result against Scotland.
Read more »
Better a Bok on a break than Irish, says Rassie: Pool B decider always 'going to be nervy'SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said they're happy to be in a position to watch the permutations in Pool B play out having completed their programme.
Read more »