Ex-France hooker defends Springboks over ‘rugby values’ after criticism during Rugby World Cup
Benjamin Kayser, who represented France on 37 occasions, insists that the culture within the South African set-up has been key to their success.
Last Saturday at the Stade de France, the Springboks defeated the All Blacks 12–11 to claim the title of world champions for the fourth time.
Some of their past tactics, such as their 7-1 bench split that was deemed to be “against the spirit of the game,” have drawn criticism.
There are those who dislike South Africa’s forward-thinking approach to the game, but Kayser spoke up in support of the Boks.
Ended their World Cup dream
Although Jacques Nienaber’s team eliminated his nation in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, the former Les Bleus hooker feels that the Springboks’ style of play is really elevating rugby’s ideals.
“South Africa has overcome hardship to become a world champion. Kayser told The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby podcast, “I think Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff have given us a masterclass in leadership and management.”
“He starts with number 10, but he drops it to win the game, and no one seems to care.” In the 44th minute of a quarterfinal, he substitutes his captain.
I like that there’s a strong emphasis on teamwork. In rugby, we sometimes ask ourselves, “Where have our values gone?” They have demonstrated that it is entirely team-driven.
The South African team’s evident camaraderie contributed significantly to their World Cup triumph, as they defeated France, England, and New Zealand en route to winning the championship.
Responding to adversity
Nienaber’s men had significant challenges in all three of their knockout matches, not least in the final when they lost their only recognised hooker in the opening minutes, but they managed to overcome them all.
The Springboks won 12–11 against the All Blacks last Saturday at the Stade de France to clinch their fourth world championship.
A few of their previous strategies, like their 7-1 bench split that was thought to be “against the spirit of the game,” have come under fire.
Although some people disagree with South Africa’s innovative approach to the game, Kayser spoke out in favor of the Boks.
