SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said on Tuesday he was glad the Springboks will be able to fly their flag in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
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On Tuesday, the country’s Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa said they had lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision.
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South Africa has until Friday to update its anti-doping legislation in compliance with new WADA rules, but is almost certain to miss the deadline.
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“Whatever happened we would be representing South Africa,” Rassie Erasmus told reporters.
“Even if it went the other way the boys would be totally focused on the match.
“We’re glad that it’s in a way sorted out,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Erasmus’s Rugby World Cup holders are set to face France captain Antoine Dupont in Paris this weekend.
The influential scrumhalf has been given the all-clear to return to full training after fracturing his cheekbone three weeks ago.
“I broke my jaw three times and you can get leaner because you can’t eat!” Erasmus joked.
“A lack of fitness won’t be a problem for him.
“The surgeon cleared him.
“I have no doubt he will play and will be a big challenge for us to try and contain him,” he added.
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France ended their group campaign top of Pool A thanks to a victory over Italy.
Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber will name the Springboks team on Friday and they have a decision to make regarding how many backs and forwards they name on the bench.
“We’re very fortunate and that’s why we haven’t quite decided whether it’s 7/1 or 6/2, which will go best,” Erasmus said.
“After we sort out everything internally tomorrow the players just fall in,” he added.
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
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