The 2023 Rugby World Cup is on tonight and many believe South Africa have “the psychological edge” that will get them to the finish line. 

Ireland may not be playing, but fans across the world will tune in at 8pm tonight to see who becomes the new rugby reigning champion. 

Both teams won three games and lost one in the knockout rounds, making them evenly matched for tonight’s game at the Stade de France. 

Former rugby player Frank Sheahan told The Anton Savage Show the South African team are “battle-hardended”. 

“Rassie Erasmus is one serious coach,” he said. 

“I do feel as well they have that psychological edge over New Zealand. 

“They have this Ox Nché guy on the bench - I know he only played a half an hour against England, but I would have given him man of the match. 

“Even for half an hour, he won that game for them.” 

South Africa vs Ireland in the Rugby World Cup, 23/09/2023. Image: AP Photo/Christophe Ena

South Africa plan to bring back their ‘bomb squad’ of seven forwards on the bench, a strategy that did not prove successful against Ireland during the knockouts. 

Fellow former rugby player Alan Quinlan said the South Africa’s squad will definitely “try and put fear in the opposition”. 

“But New Zealand are pretty fresh coming into this game,” he said. 

“They're full of confidence, they're a very dangerous side. 

“If South Africa allow New Zealand to do what they did to Ireland, particularly at start to the game, they can be very dangerous and score lots of tries. 

“The whole plan is to try and bring on the seven forwards early in the second half and hope it can give them the edge... it’ll be interesting to see if New Zealand can cope with that.” 

New Zealand vs Ireland, Rugby World Cup quarter-final, 15/10/2023. Image: Mickael Chavet / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Quinlan said if New Zealand and South Africa follow their typical track record of playing against each other, we can expect some “unbelievable rugby”. 

“They'll try and replicate that and keep the pace and tempo of the game,” he said. 

“From an Irish point of view. We can only think about what could have been but unfortunately, we're not there.” 

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