As the Springboks gear up to face the All Blacks in the eagerly awaited four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, former Springbok centre Japie Mulder sends out a stark warning: underestimate the underdog at your peril. Sitting comfortably at the top of the world rankings, the Boks might look poised for a straightforward victory, but Mulder, a veteran of South Africa's 1995 World Cup triumph, knows all too well the danger of dismissing the New Zealand squad.
"You’re No 1 now, but rugby is a funny thing,"
Mulder reminisced about the 1995 tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of rugby. "In 1995, we weren’t even rated. Everyone said we did well by getting to the quarter-finals and nobody gave us a chance. But we went on to win. So, beware the underdog," he told Rugby365.
With Rassie Erasmus at the helm, the Springboks are bracing themselves for what could be their most challenging series in years. The All Blacks, meanwhile, are hungry to prove themselves following a period of coaching upheavals and uncharacteristic erratic performances.
"Everyone says South Africa are favourites to win the series against the All Blacks, but I will never underrate the All Blacks side,"
Mulder emphasized the unpredictability of the matchup, suggesting that the outcome could swing wildly in either direction. "Anything can happen on the day. They can come here and lose 4-0. We can lose 4-0, especially with the quality of players they also have," he added.
As the series approaches, the tension mounts not only for the players but for fans worldwide, poised to witness another chapter in one of rugby's most storied rivalries. The Springboks and All Blacks are not just playing for victory but for national pride and historical supremacy. This series is more than just games; it's a battle of legacy.
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As the Springboks gear up to face the All Blacks in the eagerly awaited four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, former Springbok centre Japie Mulder sends out a stark warning: underestimate the underdog at your peril. Sitting comfortably at the top of the world rankings, the Boks might look poised for a straightforward victory, but Mulder, a veteran of South Africa's 1995 World Cup triumph, knows all too well the danger of dismissing the New Zealand squad.
"You’re No 1 now, but rugby is a funny thing,"
Mulder reminisced about the 1995 tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of rugby. "In 1995, we weren’t even rated. Everyone said we did well by getting to the quarter-finals and nobody gave us a chance. But we went on to win. So, beware the underdog," he told Rugby365.
With Rassie Erasmus at the helm, the Springboks are bracing themselves for what could be their most challenging series in years. The All Blacks, meanwhile, are hungry to prove themselves following a period of coaching upheavals and uncharacteristic erratic performances.
"Everyone says South Africa are favourites to win the series against the All Blacks, but I will never underrate the All Blacks side,"
Mulder emphasized the unpredictability of the matchup, suggesting that the outcome could swing wildly in either direction. "Anything can happen on the day. They can come here and lose 4-0. We can lose 4-0, especially with the quality of players they also have," he added.
As the series approaches, the tension mounts not only for the players but for fans worldwide, poised to witness another chapter in one of rugby's most storied rivalries. The Springboks and All Blacks are not just playing for victory but for national pride and historical supremacy. This series is more than just games; it's a battle of legacy.