‘BOKS STOLE OUR CUP’

FRANCE scrumhalf Maxime Lucu draai nie doekies om nie and says South Africa “stole” their World Cup on home soil in 2023. 

The French were leading against the Springboks in the quarter-final until a late Eben Etzebeth try swung the match in the world champions’ favour, as they ousted the hosts 29-28. 

Franse mense can still not forgive SA for that bitter defeat, with Lucu – who is set to don the No.9 jumper when the two teams lock horns at the Stade de France on Saturday – saying reguit they have ‘n appeltjie to skil with captain Siya Kolisi and his manskappe. 

Lucu wysed EPCR rugby: “It was a massive defeat for us. For us, the French people, it’s really stuck with us. It was our World Cup and they came and stole it off us. It was such a great game”.

He added of what he expects from the Boks: “They’re much more than just brutes.

“It’s true they’re unbelievably strong, but they’ve also got a lot of quick and nimble youngsters coming through.

“There’s talent everywhere; they’re a complete side...

“We can’t wait to take them on. They’re back-to-back world champions. Everything’s set up perfectly for a great game.”