France legend hails ‘best Springboks team of all time’, pinpoints Rassie Erasmus’ ‘biggest challenge’

South Africa's impressive performances have left former France captain Fabien Pelous hugely impressed.

The Springboks have won nine of their 12 Tests in 2023, a run that has included a 2-1 series victory over Wales and a dominant 30-15 win against the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship opener.

Pelous, who won 118 caps for France and captained his country to Six Nations glory in 2002 and 2004, believes the Springboks are capable of retaining the World Cup they won in Japan.

"This is the best Springboks team I have ever seen, and I have been watching them for many years," Pelous told Rugby World. "They are so well-coached, so physical and so disciplined. They deserve to be favourites for the World Cup and I think they can go all the way."

Here's what makes the Springboks so special, according to Pelous

• Physicality: The Springboks are one of the most physical teams in the world. They are big, strong and aggressive, and they use their size and power to dominate their opponents.
• Discipline: The Springboks are also one of the most disciplined teams in the world. They rarely make mistakes, and they are always able to stay focused and composed, even under pressure.
• Coaching: The Springboks are coached by Rassie Erasmus, who is one of the most respected coaches in the world. Erasmus has a wealth of experience, and he has been able to get the best out of his players.

Rassie Erasmus' biggest challenge

Erasmus' biggest challenge will be to keep his players motivated and hungry for success. The Springboks are already one of the best teams in the world, and they will be expected to win the World Cup. Erasmus will need to make sure that his players do not become complacent, and that they continue to improve and push themselves.

If Erasmus can do that, then the Springboks will be very difficult to beat. They have the potential to be the best team in the world, and they could go all the way at the World Cup.