Before the World Cup semi-final against defending champions South Africa, England third row Tom Curry confided that he was “looking forward to the fight. The Springboks have changed, they’ve developed their game. They’ve matured and so have we, so it’s a clash between two very interesting teams going against each other and we’re looking forward to it. (…) It’s a semi-final. If that’s not motivation enough, I don’t know what is. We all have a different approach, but we have to be able to get into the same state of mind for it to click. We have 24 hours for that. There is nothing better than a semi-final against South Africa. When we see their team and ours, it’s promising.”
Regarding the enormous physical challenge that awaits them, the XV de la Rose flanker tells his teammates: “Don’t let yourself be surprised and be motivated. It’s a semi-final against South Africa. It’s going to be a physical match. Facing this kind of team is fascinating, we know what we have to do.” Tom Curry was sent off against Argentina and missed the next two group matches. “The least we can say is that it’s different, but it’s great to be part of this group,” he confides. When we were able to train and do everything there was to do outside of rugby, it was great to be part of this group. It shows how much we have progressed. I would like to play a few more minutes, like everyone else. I can not wait to be there.”
According to him, “a semi-final is a great moment. We can’t imagine better. The coaches have prepared a very good game plan and you can feel the desire of the players. Some need calm, others need a kick in the ass. It promises ! »
