Why Does EVERYONE think that the Springboks are going to win the Rugby World Cup 2007?

Question

Why? I know they won the Super 14 with an all South African final. I also know they have started the international season unbeaten. But lets put that into perspective.

In 1998 the Canterbury Crusaders won the Super 12 against the Auckland Blues. the All Blacks then went on to come last in the Tri nations. So by saying that SA are the favourites just because they won the super 14 is a flawed theory.

Remember one of the hottest teams in the end of the Super 14 didnt even make the finals (Waikato)

Also lets not forget that the South Africans dont really like travelling to Europe and especially not France. In fact they have lost there over the last 2 seasons.

In fact the last time SA were in the Northern Hemisphere they lost to England, Ireland & France.

Alot has also been made of the fact the the AB's have lost 3 out of 4 in the republic under Graham Henry. Lets flip that and it shows SA has lost 5 out of 8 to the AB's.

SA are good but they arent Number 1

Answer 1

I'm a New Zealander. The All Blacks are going to win the World Cup.The "Boks are ok,but not a patch on the mighty All Blacks. Kia Kaha!

Answer 2

Remember SA had an all super 14 final because the semis were played in SA if it was played in NZ it would have been an all  NZ final.NZ play best in north SA not ,ill say it will be between France ,Australia ,New zealand ,Ireland , with hopefully NZ

Answer 3

I don't think EVERYONE thinks the Boks will win the World Cup, to be fair I think the top five countries will fancy their chances on a given day against each other. We all know about the ABs propensity to "choke" at World Cup tournaments - but will they do so again? Australia - do they have enough gas in the tank to go for one more round ala Mortlock, Gregan, Larkham? And will their front row hold up over the course of the tournament? The Boks - will they bring the same passion to France as they show in their own country? England - can they prove that they aren't past their use by date and they weren't a one shot wonder? France - can they live up to their country's expectations, which team will show up on the day, the team that was on fire in the 99 WC semi against the ABs, or the team that were hammered 45-3 two years ago against the ABs at home? Ireland - can they shake their reputations for underacheving? Wales/Argentina - can they provide the upsets early in the round robin games? So I don't think its as cut and dried as what everyone thinks...

Answer 4

springboks alway win at home ... outside there country is totally different,, it the climate over there ,,,, watch the mighty all black ,

Answer 5

Your question surprises me. I don't think I have met, read, or been partial to anyone who thinks the Springboks will win it. I have been through 5 different countries (3 major rugby playing ones), and all the opinions and local press believe the All Blacks will win.

As of right now, the local odds (admittedly in NZ), are the All Blacks $1.45, and ANY OTHER TEAM $2.65. That should tell you all you need to know.

Answer 6

The Super 14 results alone can not be relied on, although it's an indication that South African rugby is doing well - we have to remember that the Springboks are a combined team of the Super 14 teams - it's a new team that needs to get used to each other just like the AB and Aussies. The most adaptable team is likely to win the Tri Nations and possibly the world cup.

South Africa will be a force to be reckoned with, but in my opinion the All Blacks are still the favorites. Let's face it - the Boks's performance against Australia was poor. I think they are capable of playing much better. The up coming Tri-Nations game will tell.

Answer 7

I agree, why do people think that??? I know they are a good team but i truly think that the All Blacks are going to bring the cup home this year.. Our boys are tuff and even more fit and buff!!!!! Nothing is going to stop them from winning!!!!!!

Answer 8

I'm a South African and i don't think The Springboks are the worlds number 1 team.  They did well in the Super 14 but that doesn't mean anything.  If we keep on playing like we played against the Aussies i Think we can forget the world cup.  In my opinion i think New Zealand are the beter one to win or Australia because they play thinking rugby.  South Africa just play running and scoring rugby.

I really hope South Africa would win but lets face the facts.

Answer 9

I'm a New Zealander and I still think they will be a force to reckon with based on their sheer will to win and their confrontation ability to contest the ball and play a very tough and demanding game of rugby.

Answer 10

They may not be number one, but that doesn't mean they won't win it. They have a very good chance. If NZ don't win it, SA will. SA are doing a good job with communicating with their provincial teams and taking their good form from the Super 14 to the International team. I'm from England, being eternally hopeful that we might stand a chance, but realistically, we've got to look at 2011.

Answer 11

As a South African I agree that it is foolish to make statements about the Springboks based on the Super14 outcome.  Look at previous years when South Africa have finished bottom of the Super14 / 12 table and yet won the Tri-Nations.  Conversely one could look at the Aussie's poor form in Super 14 this year, yet their Wallabie team is looking like a potentially dangerous outfit.  So perhaps the Tri-Nations will be a fairer reflection of the strongest S.Hemisphere team going to the RWC.  One thing that is undeniable however is that SA rugby is only going one way, and that is up!

Answer 12

well one thing I know is trying to predict the future with old random stats is a load of c**p, please dude. That 5 out of 8 things a load, so is the super 14 thing, just because we won that doesnt mean we will win world cup, but dont forget, as the years went by playing in europe and france some of our players got old and and retired now look, we got francais stein, you saw those drop kicks and you ve seen him when he boots that ball, we also got Bryan Habbana and BJ botha and three men can change everything.

Boks are gonna kick *** till the final, trust me we will **** ireland up, then there will be a nail biter between All blacks and Boks