The Rugby World Cup 2023 organized in France has been a success so far, but not for everyone: France started their tournament in the best way possible with a mastered victory against New Zealand 27-13. The All Blacks redeemed a few days after by beating Namibia 71-3. In the meantime, France was winning against Uruguay without convincing 27-12. If France and New Zealand should see the next round without too many difficulties, Namibia is expected to come back home right after the first-round games. Close to South Africa geographically speaking, we cannot really say the same assertion if we are talking about rugby.
Winners of the World Cup in 2019 and coming to France to defend their title, the Springboks can rely on their power and experience to challenge their fiercer opponents. The first game against Scotland was an opportunity to warm up, and the 18-3 victory was logically obtained with only one flat, the injury of Eben Etzebeth for seven to ten days (shoulder).
One week after, South Africa did not make feelings to destroy Romania 76-0 in Bordeaux. Twelve tries were scored by the world champions in title and no single point could be added by the Romanian squad that is not used to playing in a world cup and facing up to such strong contenders.
South Africa will perhaps have to fight more against Ireland in the next few days, but winning so widely against Scotland first and Romania then is always a good thing before the upcoming games. Trust, if they lacked it, is filling up the whole team, and the players on the bench could participate as well: the Boks team involved in the game against Romania was mostly made up of players that did not start against Scotland.