PICK OF THE SPORT: Don’t miss the Springboks versus Wolfhounds clash, writes Dylan Bettencourt. It’s going to be bigger than a week ago.
It’s still all to play for when the Springboks head onto the pitch at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening.
The Springboks’ historic win at Loftus has given the Boks the advantage, but Ireland can still level the series at 1-1 if they win Saturday’s match.
On Tuesday, Rassie Erasmus named an unchanged side for the match, indicating that the team is 100% fit and ready to play.
On the other hand, Ireland coach Andy Farrell only named his side late on Thursday and has had to deal with some setbacks, like going into the game without key players Craig Casey and Bundi Ak. And putting the captain, flanker Peter O’Mahoney, on the bench is an interesting move.
➤ The All Blacks beat England in a scrappy contest in Dunedin on South Island, New Zealand, and they hope to do it again this weekend at Eden Park. Expect both sides to be much more accurate – and the contest to be even tougher.
Australia and Wales meet for the second time after the Wallabies won last week’s match. Under coach Joe Schmidt, Australia is far from being the force it was a decade ago, and it would want a win – and a better performance this weekend. Wales is still with its back against the wall, and there is nothing to promise any improvement.
New Zealand vs England on Saturday at 9am.
Australia vs Wales on Saturday at 11.45am.
South Africa vs Ireland on Saturday at 5pm.
All matches are live on DStv channel 201.
➤ The Euros in Germany end on Sunday, and either Spain or England will be crowned champions.
Both teams have a lot to prove.
On the one hand, England has been labelled chokers, not winning a major trophy since the Fifa World Cup almost 60 years ago in 1966.
They reached the final of the Euros in 2021 in their own country but lost on penalties. That will be on the players’ minds when they seek redemption.
Spain has not been a dominant force in the football world since its golden age between 2008 and 2012 when it won the Fifa World Cup and two Euros.
On Sunday night in Berlin, both sides will feel they can show the world, not just Europe, why they are among the best.
But only one team can win. Spain goes into the fixture as favourites, having had an impressive tournament so far, but England and their fans, as they always are, will be confident they can get the job done.
The final on Sunday is set for kick-off at 9pm, live on DStv channel 203.
Pictured above: The Springboks during their win over Ireland.
Source: Springboks/X
