World Cup final: ‘This is what we live for,’ says Boks’ Mzwandile Stick

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Rugby World Cup final is set to be an incredibly special occasion as the Boks battle it out with fierce rivals the All Blacks at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday night.

It is the end of the road for a number of Bok management and players with this being their final game in national colours, so it will also be an emotional experience for many involved.

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It is also a record breaking final, with the winner set to become the first team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times, which will be a big motivation for both sides.

“This moment is very special for everyone involved. Just to be able to play a World Cup final is a very special occasion. You ask about our background… to be honest this is what we live for, it’s about the people who are dreaming to be in our position in our communities back in South Africa,” explained Stick.

“We just want to do everything in our power to make sure we are reuniting those people. The All Blacks have won the World Cup three times, we have won it three times, so this game is actually bigger than just a World Cup final.

“Whoever wins is probably going to have bragging rights for the next eight years. We just want to keep making our people at home proud because the vibe and the messages we get are very special.”

Duane Vermeulen

One of the players who will likely be playing his last game for the Boks, although he hasn’t officially announced it yet, is legendary eighthman Duane Vermeulen who will be eager to end off on a high.

Vermeulen was the man-of-the-match for the Boks in their final win over England at the 2019 tournament and he will hope to make a similar impact in this final.

“What a legend. The funny thing is I am not that much older than Duane. He’s a very, very special guy who has made a lot of sacrifices in his career, being away from his family and young kids,” said Stick.

“It is a very special moment for him, but I know if you were to ask Duane now if it is about him, or what it represents for the nation, he will tell you he will put his body on the line for the nation.

“Hopefully we can give him a proper send-off, even if I know it’s going to be a tough game, especially if you look at the history between the two teams.

Coaching staff

The coaching staff who are on their way out include head coach Jacques Nienaber, who is moving on to Leinster as their head coach, and assistant coach Felix Jones, who will be linking up with England.

“It’s a very special moment to represent your country and being in the World Cup final, it doesn’t get bigger than that. Myself and Jacques and Felix started working together in 2016 with the Springboks, and I know how much pride this gentleman (Jones) has held with the defence,” said Stick.

“We don’t want to be too overly emotional about the game tomorrow because it is bigger than us. There are millions of people that are looking up at this moment. For us, at least if we are able to say we contributed to making our country a better place, we are really in a blessed position as a team.”