Springboks address concerns over anthem and flag ban for Rugby World Cup
Springboks players sing the South African national anthem during the Rugby World Cup.
Springboks assistant coach Daan Human says that South Africa are not too concerned about a potential anthem and flag ban for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France.
The defending champions’ progression to the last eight of the tournament was sealed on Saturday evening when Ireland defeated Scotland 36-14.
Representing the South African people
They finished as runners-up in Pool B behind Ireland and now head into the quarter-final against hosts France but could front up against Les Bleus under a neutral flag and without signing the national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, before the crunch game.
This is because the South African government still need to update their anti-doping legislation to adhere to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) policies.
Bok scrum coach Human believes this won’t affect the players, who will still proudly represent their country.
“I’m not too sure a hundred per cent what’s happening there,” the former Test prop said.
“I can’t really comment on it, but all I do know is the Springboks players are one hundred per cent focused on the job, on what needs to be done this week. I don’t think there’s a focus on jerseys whatsoever.
“It doesn’t matter in which colour jersey, or a jersey without a flag on or even without the national anthem, I can tell you, and I can assure you of one thing, the boys who are here – the 53, our whole squad here who represent South Africa – they represent 60 million people back home, and they’re willing to fight for them. I can assure you of that.”
The scrum battle
Turning attention to the match, Human hailed France as the most dominant forward pack in world rugby and said that his pack were working hard in their preparation.
“They are the most dominant pack in world rugby at the moment,” the ex-Toulouse prop said.
“It will be a battle, like all the other games are a battle. It’s a hurdle, and if you want to get over the hurdle, you must put in some hard yards and be successful and be good in all the departments.”
Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane added: “They are going to be a difficult set-piece to move, but as for ourselves, we pride ourselves in scrum, and we pride ourselves in set-piece dominance.
“We’ve been working hard; Coach Daan has been killing our legs in the scrum sessions.
“It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to now.”
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