Boks draw Samoa, Scots
3 Dec 2012
The Springboks will play Samoa and Scotland in Pool B of the 2015 World Cup.
The draw for the 2015 tournament in England was held on Monday, with the 12 qualified teams being drawn into four pools. The remaining eight teams are still in the process of qualifying and are thus yet to be confirmed.
Of the top four ranked teams in the world, the Boks look to have the easiest route to the 2015 play-offs.
The Boks smashed Samoa at the 2007 World Cup in France, but found the Pacific islanders harder to put away in the 2011 pool fixture in New Zealand. This is bound to be the most physically taxing match of the 2015 round-robin stage, but it is a clash the Boks will feel confident about winning.
Scotland beat South Africa in 2010, but lost by 11 points in this year’s fixture at Murrayfield. Like Samoa, they have never beaten South Africa at a World Cup.
The Boks’ final two pool opponents are yet to be confirmed, but will come out of the Americas and Asia.
The Boks narrowly avoided being drawn in Pool A, the Pool of Death. The Wallabies weren’t so lucky, and will have to beat hosts England, and Wales, who should also enjoy good home support, to top that group.
Proceeding to the knockout rounds won’t be much easier for the French, who will battle Six Nations opponents Ireland and Italy.
Current world champions New Zealand will face off against Argentina, whom they beat in the World Cup quarter-finals last year. The All Blacks have also drawn Tonga in Pool D, a team they played against in the opening game of the 2011 tournament.
POOL A
Australia
England
Wales
Play-off winner
Oceania 1
POOL B
South Africa
Samoa
Scotland
Americas 2
Asia 1
POOL C
New Zealand
Argentina
Tonga
Africa 1
Europe 1
POOL D
France
Ireland
Italy
Europe 2
Americas 1
At the draw it was also confirmed that the knockout-phase structure will be the same as previous World Cups:
QF1: Winner Pool B vs Runner-up Pool A
QF2: Winner Pool C vs Runner-up Pool D
QF3: Winner Pool A vs Runner-up Pool B
QF4: Winner Pool D vs Runner-up Pool C
SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2
SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4
Bronze Final: Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2
Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2
355 Comments
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6 Dec 2012, 12:33 pm
@Slartibartfast-349:
Have to agree with you there, a little moderation would be welcome.
But I doubt Keo will do that – these kind of hatred posts attracts a lot of replies, and ultimately the number of hits is what makes the money.
6 Dec 2012, 12:36 pm
@j59-348:
It’s not “censorship” when you have rules and guidelines in a certain forum and somebody that enforces them. When you sign up for the forum you agree to these rules.
You can’t pee in the street either, do you think that means you live in an oppressive society?
7 Dec 2012, 01:15 am
@wpjoulekkading-351: Peeing?….I’m surprised you didn’t bring up ‘murder’ as your counter-example. There’s a big difference between expression (saying things) and physical action
Of course, South Africa doesn’t really believe in freedom of expression – saying certain words can get you locked up… right or wrong
But back to the trolls, I see ppl engaging them all the time.
we know who the trolls are – but guys engage them or try to reason with their hate. Well, you kinda can’t have it both ways
7 Dec 2012, 12:58 pm
@j59-352:
Words are very powerful things my friend. Saying “they are not the same as actions” as an excuse to allow hate mongering is a bit inadequate.
Freedom of speech is a term that is easily thrown about. But there are other competing rights, including those of people who have the right to live in an environment without being subjected to racist taunts or insults.
When those borders are crossed it is the duty of everyone to stand up, especially those in charge of protecting the rights of others in a public forum (ie a moderator).
10 Dec 2012, 01:36 am
@wpjoulekkading-353:
“Those who would trade in their freedom for their protection deserve neither. Those who give up their liberty for more security neither deserve liberty nor security.”
You’re right, words are powerful
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