I might be misinterpreting this, but is SA that bad? There's been a lot of investment into the team in the last two years and the coach that's been put in place is a strong one (Swys De Bruin). Looking at results from a year ago they beat Japan and had close losses to Australia and Italy.
I was under the impression that we were in with a shot of making the quarter finals, is that not the case? (Not as second favourites in the group, but as slight underdogs). I fully expect us to be well beaten (20-30 points difference, in line with our Canada losses last year) by France due to our attack appearing relatively basic, but being relatively strong in the set piece/scrum to give Italy quite a hard time.
3rd by seeding in a group is ranks 9-12.
SA are ranked 12, behind Wales, USA and Japan.
Until today, I've not seen SA play recently to make a judgement for myself, but the rankings are generally pretty accurate. They suggest that there's not much in it between SA and Japan, but both are a step behind Wales and USA. Based on this weekend - I'd say a step behind USA, and about level with Wales and Japan.
To reach a QF, you have to beat Italy (ranked 7). It's not impossible, but that would be definitely be an upset.
Based on today, you might able to bully Italy a bit, but they're used to that, and I don't see it being enough to win the game.
ETA: FWIW, in the last 2 years, you've played Italy twice, both times in South Africa.
For 2 losses, and an aggregate 37-59.
In that time, you've lost to Canada, Australia, USA and Scotland, and beaten Madagascar, Kenya, Uganda, Spain, Japan, Cameroon and Samoa.
In the same time, Italy have been beating Japan, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and USA, whilst losing to England, France, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
You've competed with Italy in WXV2 twice, finishing behind them twice (once on PD, once hugely, both at with home advantage)
The 2-year build-up is not the same, nor are the quality of scalps.
