Springboks downplay ‘revenge plotline’

WHILE the French will be whipping themselves into a frenzy for their rematch with the world champion Springboks, the South Africans are downplaying the “revenge” theme intrinsic to this encounter.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

FELIX Jones. | Backpagepix

(Backpagepix)

This Saturday in Paris marks the first match between the teams since the Boks’ dramatic 29-28 victory in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal at the same venue. The one-point win ended the host nation’s hopes of glory, and they have complained of “robbery” ever since.

Yesterday, the Boks’ Irish assistant coach, Felix Jones, performed media duty and cut a calm figure, failing to rise to the bait offered by local journalists.

Jones admitted that while there may be extra attention on this match because of the World Cup drama, the Boks’ focus is solely on ensuring they are as well prepared as possible going into the game.

Asked how it felt to be back in France for the first time since 2023, Jones said: “We enjoy it every time we are here in France, and in general, we have fond memories of being here, even when we lost the match in 2022 in Marseille.