Springboks legends slam 'scandalous' Rugby World Cup draw

The two great rivals are currently ranked among the leading sides in world rugby, but the structure of next year’s tournament means one could be heading home before the semi-finals.

South Africa have been drawn alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania in Pool B, while the All Blacks will face hosts Australia, Chile and Hong Kong China in Pool A.

Should both rugby giants top their respective groups and successfully navigate the new round of 16, they are on course to collide in the quarter-finals.

That prospect has not gone down particularly well with two Springboks legends.

Speaking on SuperSport's Final Whistle presents Side Entry following South Africa's 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium, former Bok lock Victor Matfield admitted his frustration.

"It's a pity for me that we'll probably face each other in that quarter-final in the World Cup," said Matfield.

Mallett went considerably further with his assessment.

"It's scandalous; it's not a pity," said the former Springboks head coach.

Matfield agreed, adding: "It's the two best teams in the world; they should get to a final if they win all their games."

The comments come with the rivalry between the two nations once again dominating the Test rugby landscape.

South Africa and New Zealand contested the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris, with the Springboks winning 12-11 to secure a record fourth Webb Ellis Cup.

Now the draw means one of them could be eliminated with two rounds still remaining.

The Springboks have been handed a relatively favourable pool, but their route becomes considerably more difficult once the knockout stages begin.

South Africa will begin in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.

Rassie Erasmus' side will be expected to finish top, with Italy likely to provide their biggest challenge during the opening stage.

Under the new 24-team format, the four highest-ranked pool winners will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 16.

As Pool B winners, South Africa would face a third-placed qualifier from Pool D, E or F. The exact opponent will therefore depend on pool-stage results.

This is where things could get brutal.

If New Zealand win Pool A and South Africa win Pool B, then both successfully navigate the round of 16, the Springboks and All Blacks will meet in the quarter-finals.

That would be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final — only this time one of rugby's two superpowers would be eliminated in the last eight.

Should the Springboks overcome New Zealand, France are projected as their most likely semi-final opponents.

Les Bleus have been drawn alongside Japan, USA and Samoa and sit on the same side of the knockout bracket as South Africa and New Zealand.

Come through all of that and England are currently the projected opponent in the final.

Steve Borthwick's men have been handed a route through the opposite side of the bracket, beginning with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool F.

If the leading seeds all progress as expected, South Africa's path to an unprecedented third successive title would therefore look like:

Pool: Italy, Georgia, Romania
Round of 16: Third-placed qualifier
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

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