Here are five talking points as the rivals battle it out for a place in the Paris showpiece on October 28. South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus expects the underdogs to have “beef” after they were flattened 32-12 on an afternoon of crushing disappointment four years ago, capitulating without firing a shot. Score to settleOf the survivors from four years ago, Dan Cole’s story is the most remarkable. Leicester’s veteran tighthead became the fall guy and was cast into the international wilderness with little hope of a reprieve. They have a core of players capable of making dents on South Africa in different ways and several are in ‘last dance’ territory, knowing this could be their last appearance in a Red Rose jersey, providing additional inspiration.

Source: Irish Independent October 20, 2023 20:51 UTC