Springboks backline and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes that playing a closed book like Canada in their last Pool B match at the Rugby World Cup makes no difference because their game plan will stay the same.
The Boks lost their opening game to New Zealand before registering crucial bonus point victories against Namibia and recently Italy, putting one foot inside the quarter finals in Japan.
Stick says they believe that at a tournament like the Rugby World Cup, it is best for the team to focus more on their game plan.
The Springboks will field recently called up full back sensation Damien Willemse alongside clinical finisher Sbu Nkosi and utility back Warrick Galant in their back three for the clash against the Canadians.
A visibly excited former SA Seven’s captain, Stick, says he cannot wait to see how the combination will perform especially against the highballs in slippery conditions.
Regular Boks skipper Siya Kolisi, who is expected to put in a full 80-minute shift, will lead the side out as he still eases to full match fitness following his injury lay-off.
The 28-year-old says he has been enjoying getting more game time especially heading into the quarter-finals.
Kolisi, who has had to always catch up with the teams progress after being rested with a swelling knee during the successful Rugby Championships tournament, says he has even had time to reflect on the milestone of leading the team.
With the Springboks expected to have a 10-day turn around time period after Tuesday’s game, Kolisi says he is looking forward to spending some time with his family ahead of the quarter-finals. – Report by Thando Gqamane
