A SHARED HISTORY | South Africa and Ireland | RIVALS...with RESPECT

I was at the Captain's Run for the Springboks ahead of their first Test against Ireland, which gave me a chance to take in Loftus Versfeld in all its glory AND to reflect on the common bonds and shared history between both of these rugby nations and the amazing role rugby has played in it.

[@Mikeup104]

What really stands out in Tim's videos is the positivity he spreads about rugby! he doesn't buy into all the fake narratives spread by mainstream media, he doesn't use clickbait and he is fair and honest towards all teams and countries with very little preconceived notions. There is no better representation of this than your comments section. Comments from all nationalities that are constructive and positive. Some banter here and there of course, but very little trolling/nastiness. Your community is a reflection of your channel Tim. As you would say, "Top man"! Lets go Bokke!

[@kurtplaatjies8563]

He is a true rugby lover

[@456aideen]

Couldn't have said it better. Bar your last line. Come in Eire

[@creekyknee]

He's a positive kind of guy. In my opinion some of us are from South Africa, some of us are from Ireland but Tim is from Rugby(land). He is a true gent and transcends borders when it comes to Rugby. He mentioned Willie John McBride. He's a prod and us down south are not supposed to like those guys, but I can honestly say that he is a giant of a man in every way. We are proud to call him Irish when it comes to Rugby, ditto Rory Best and most of the gallant Ulster prods who don the Green shirt. You couldn't meet nicer and more decent folk.

[@zeuskaboose]

Let’s not forget those Irishmen who joined the Boer war to fight the British. Brothers in arms.

[@shaunmalone5406]

Absolutely correct. The Boers called them “Het Wrekkers Corp” or “Avengers Corp” in English.

[@dicksmith1270]

Lol it's funny how nobody Likes the English.. and everyone has a different reason.. I know getting a away from Rugby.. It rings true..

[@greatleapforwards]

my great grandfather was one of those - who then settled in the bushveld. His son went over to Ireland and met my grandmother and brought her back to SA, and here I sit in Ireland now, ready to support the boks at my local pub

[@Jay-Leigh863]

Very true. Explains the number of Irish names and surnames among Afrikaans people.

[@kristian762]

​@@greatleapforwards🍻

[@CC-om8ze]

Id love to watch the Springboks live one day. Much respect from USA!

[@leonfortuin5902]

🇿🇦Welcome

[@Keque]

You should. Its way cheaper than you think

[@andynicoletti7789]

Glad I'm not the only American on the channel. Go bokke!!

[@emfairclough]

RWC 2031 USA 🇺🇸🇿🇦

[@jerrybuirski2344]

@@Keque Jip, 20 rand to the Dollar, you can live like a king here.

[@orlandosadie6283]

Race or Religion does not matter - Stronger Together is what matters most Agreed Tim - Rivals with Respect

[@AC-hu3xk]

❤

[@fortunatengubeni6410]

❤

[@Kickasskaasie]

Religion matters a little

[@dcs4880]

Unless you’re SARU who literally still have race-based selection policies in place.

[@starboy7938]

😂😂😂😂😂 what a joke

[@filmsaboutfilms6964]

Thanks for pointing out the history. It's something we seem to have forgotten with all the shit talking recently. But the Irish and South Africans actually have a lot in common. National pride can cause us to butt heads at times but it's also a similarity that can't be ignored. 🇮🇪🇿🇦

[@rorysullivan4913]

Agree. South Africans and Irish have so much in common. As a Saffa my Dad told us as kids( we were from Limerick) how similar the two groups were. We grew up loving everything about Ireland growing up as Saffas. Used to sing Irish songs in car as little kids travelling from town to town. The name of my younger brother "Danny Boy" was his favourite. Sang it with such gusto. 74 years of age now but still remember Tony O'Reilly, Fergus Slattery, Willie John McBride, Ollie Campbell, Mike Gibson.looking forward to this epic match. Hope cards will have no influence on outcome. Trust pundits and supporters show respect to those from opposite camps. Bok supporter

[@juanpierrebosch]

Well said and beautiful story to share. God bless aka a Saffa living in Galway Ireland 🇮🇪 🇿🇦

[@IrishBorussen]

Beautiful story thanks for sharing it! No matter what side of the divide we're on I just hope it's a cracker 🇮🇪🤝🇿🇦

[@buhlefadana3376]

I really love your coverage and the way you speak of South African history and the Springboks. Non-biased, informative and providing positive image of the nation.

[@MrFarr007]

There is no place like home, South Africa is a very special place with special people. We have our problems, but there is no place like home.

[@dicksmith1270]

Wish I could like this comment more.. Xx

[@creekyknee]

Now click your Ruby slippers together three times and you will be back there.... Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[@joaofigueiras1106]

This channel is quickly becoming my favourite rugby channel. The way you present the information and your opinion is very fast and clear, and you also treat club rugby with the same importance as test rugby, which is necessary imo. Greetings from Portugal!

[@davidroseitg]

The best rugby commentator in the world, not afraid to talk about complex subjects, very impressive.

[@tjobrien8436]

Another brilliant video Tim. Best of luck to our South African friends. 🇮🇪 🇿🇦 🏉

[@Leslie-Nam]

South Africans respect their opponents. Don't let the comments of a minority fools be misleading. This probably is the same for othe countries. Rugby is a passion. And people that appreciate rugby share a very unique and great passion!

[@nzfreeski]

Well said - same for kiwis overwhelmingly respect the boks and Ireland

[@ho6277]

Absolutely, I'll never forget what Tim said once, referees don't win or lose games for you, you have 80mins to do either. That really changed my view. It's a small minority of people who moan and are bad sports, most rugby supporters aren't like that around the world.

[@T800Trak]

Tim you amaze me with your knowledge of all the History you speak about . You are really a fantastic bloke and have the best Podcast.You are already a legend. Respect to both Countries Teams and Fans .Hope no cards and may the best team win 🇮🇪

[@LionOnSea]

Seeing one of my favourite rugby KZbinrs strolling across Loftus Versfeld. ❤🐂

[@RozWentworth]

Our beautiful...happy...singing dancing nation...thank you Tim for featuring our rainbow nation on your channel and offcourse...our heroes...the Springboks

[@shawk2832]

This man deserves ALL the subsribers

[@anelfrylinck841]

Awe Tim, how awesome! So glad for you to have this experience and sharing some beauriful Irish and South Aftican history! May tomorrow's rugby be action packed and full of adventure! Humanity for the win as in fact we all are one huge beautiful family worldwide. Have a wonderful time Tim' 🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@warfit4793]

Pure class Tim, as always 🇿🇦

[@juanpierrebosch]

You're having a dream South African tour, Tim. No better man for it 🙌 Salads don't win scrums 😊 Bokke 22 Ire 16 BokBefok

[@AndyWatts-mw8sp]

I watch every video you post, I miss my country 😢, brings tears to my eyes when i see video's like this. I now reside in your country. Thank you for what you do the Springboks is our pride they represent the goals that the great Mandela had they represent what South Africa means to South Africans.❤❤

[@creekyknee]

Enjoy the game tomorrow Andy. Its a pity that so many Boks have chosen to leave the country but alas its understandable.

[@wlk2408]

I love the rivalry. At club level and international level.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Loftus Versfeld and Croke Park, very similar and dripping in history. I think the South Africans and Irish people have a lot more in common than separates them. Great pod Tim, thank you 🇮🇪☘💚

[@Baz502]

Yeah it's a shame there's so much divide between the sets of both fans, at least on social media anyway

[@bernardtynan1725]

​@Baz502 social media unfortunately brings toxic people to the top from all countries. Any saffas I've met in stadiums were always class people and great craic to banter with

[@creekyknee]

@@Baz502 You need to get out more. Go Bokke !

[@jbarrett2299]

Tim thank you for taking the time to look into the history of both of these teams countries and for understanding what makes us tick from a rugby standpoint point. Total respect to you. Your videos have been fantastic and really give us an insight into how passionate rugby players and supporters are. As an Irish person it’s great to see. Thank you 🇮🇪☘️

[@SMacCuUladh]

Class video Tim, rugby is all about respect, integrity and ambition and understanding what brings us together is a massive part of that. Classy stuff from yourself and long may it last!

[@christymclaughlin618]

You taught more about Englands History than they do in English schools.

[@WinterWeaver]

That final clip made me tear up a bit... miss my home, am nostalgic every day!

[@Pooler29]

❤‍🩹

[@Wildlife_SA.]

Awesome Tim! Loftus is my favourite stadium... Definitely a historic place to be. Go Bokke!! 💪🇿🇦🏉

[@kenarbuckle7531]

Tim, you forgot to mention John Robbie who played for Ireland and the British Lions who came out to SA and stayed on to live in SA. He played in 2 Currie Cup and 2 Lion Cup Finals. He sat on the bech for the Springboks 4 times and played for them in the internal tour in 1985.

[@neillscannell9278]

Love your genuine excitement for potentially great matches. Cmon Ireland.

[@mannymbatha1646]

I’m a Staffa living in England and tell you what I’m enjoying that you’ve actually made the effort to go down to South Africa👌🏾 So thank you and welcome to South Africa and glad you’re enjoying it pal👌🏾✌️

[@dumisaralane]

Awesome coverage Tim. Can’t wait to be there tomorrow 😎🙌🏾 Feeling grateful 🙏🏽

[@christianbantom9698]

This is now my favorite podcast i try not to miss an episode.

[@Attie_36]

Tim, your passion for the game is so amazing. Such a great ambassador for our beloved sport. Best rugby channel on KZbin by far. From a Saffa in UK

[@charleneduplessis-booysen9297]

Let’s go Bokke 🎉🎉🎉 And love your videos

[@lydiapotgieter7867]

Magic stuff!! Thank you Eggchaser!!

[@StefandeVilliers-s1g]

Never thought about our common histories like that before!! Thank you for pointing it out. We appreciate your channel

[@ivanvincent7534]

Great content and observations. Importance of rugby as a unifying force in Ireland is massive.

[@brianharvey9765]

You're literally glowing mate 😂. Which I really love! Keep up the good work. Go Bokke! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@user-em5vn2wf9n]

Gosh I miss my country 😢. GO BOKKE!

[@peterbritz620]

Thanks Tim. As always the best channel of rugby on YT. Happy to see you are enjoying yourself.

[@PieterGildenhuys]

manatee!!!!! you look supremely chaffed! Like a Cheshire Cat finding a BIG bowl of fresh milk!! Good for you! Enjoy! I"m loving seeing you in SA

[@barrygormley]

As I understand it, the tradition of away teams wearing their first kit stems from touring sides not being able to bring a full second kit on long tours so when they'd rock up and play a team with a similar kit it was always far easier for the home team to wear their easily available change kit. That carried on through the professional era.

[@anelfrylinck841]

Oh interesting point here...never to old to learn...❤

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

That is indeed what I have read somewhere too.

[@MorneBothmaCastors]

Great content Tim, love your work. GO BOKKE!!

[@Jamesjudes]

Another welcome Tim video 👌

[@jacksonn7944]

This is gonna be epic!! Taking my son with me tomorrow. Wonder if they will have a decibel reader like at the T20 world cup. Been at a full Loftus in a curry cup final few years ago and the noise when Brain Habana dashed down the line scoring a fantastic try felt like I was leaning into a roaring V8 Engen, the vibration ripping through you was insane. Lets do that again.... tomorrow!!!!

[@creekyknee]

Enjoy the game, it should be amazing. I hope the sound of all the crying Boks doesn't ruin the last 5 minutes for you.

[@RUGGARUGBY]

2:11 Sacha in the background with the Ball skills 🔥💯

[@juanpierrebosch]

Sacha - Egg Chaser at work lol I was just waiting for Sacha to scream "EggChaser jou lekker ding!!" 😅

[@RUGGARUGBY]

I think the boys recognised him at the beginning of the video with Eben and Kolisi.

[@victordastile5204]

Gwijo squad in the house! Coy bokke🏈🇿🇦💪👊

[@TurtleFPL]

Fair play Tim!! Excellent perspective and comparison of the countries

[@user-lw2ng1jb1m]

Very classy, Tim - I love the respect you've shown both

[@graemesparrow2257]

This was so good! I love how your commentaries go beyond technical stuff and delve into human stories. My mom aged 72 has finally got into rugby thanks to you!

[@polarbearfelly]

Positivity. That's what I love about this channel. Pure positivity!

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

Once again thank you. Grand episode. That's why we love rugby.

[@RossoVerdeNero]

Can't wait for this one. Heading round to my mate's house tomorrow (he's got the subscription!). Here in leafy Cheshire, there'll be one lad from Fermanagh and me from East Belfast, cheering on the boys in green. The added spice is that my Fermanagh mate married a lovely lady from South Africa last year... so it should be good craic! But seriously, Tim, you have outdone yourself with this video. Rather than just talk about the match-ups of the players, as every other channel will do, you've focused on the history and what it means to each country. You have succeeded in emphasising the pride that will be brought to the pitch by BOTH teams. I've just got back from a cruise where our waiter for a couple of nights in the restaurant was a black South African. He was just doing his job, very effectively and affably, but when I engaged him in conversation and banter about the match, he just lit up... It's fantastic to see how rugby in SA has transcended the race divide. Back in the day, no black players. Now, the whole nation is behind them. A bit like the history you described in Ireland - it's had its ups and downs, but it's now 100% North and South, never mind the border, we're in this together. Bring it on. Thanks for your coverage, you're still setting the standard. For Ulster and for Ireland, for Paddy Mayne and Willie John, let's get stuck into them!

[@andrewbrennan4423]

As an English man reflecting on Irish history, putting effort in to reflect on British colonialism and imperialism in Ireland and SA, I appreciate you so much.

[@phutianeletsoalo2437]

Tim, you're a legend! Packed with knowledge of this beautiful country of ours. We cone way too far as a nation. We've seen and experienced the worse but, we shall never surrender! Different ethnic groups, languages, backgrounds, and I can go on and on. We just have one big thing in common, and that's to see this nation as one, peaceful and prospering in its endeavors. Much respect, sir!

[@ChrisHoward-ky8pv]

Loftus! A far cry from posting content from airport departure lounges! You must be stoked.

[@matthewwoolley6263]

Loving every video form your SA trip. Highlight of the day!!! Oh, and first comment btw😂😂

[@shaunspies1108]

The Dutch never colonised South Africa. The Lords 17, built a fort, and employed people to farm the land, so that they could resupply their ships during the spice trade to the East. Thus, enter the German/Prussion mercenaries, to man the Fort( CT Castle).They were followed by the French Hugenotes, persecuted for 5heir Protestant Faith, thus, the start of the Boer nation. The Brits invaded after the Napoleonic war, prompting the Great Trek North, and the birth of the Orange Free State and Transvaal, Boer Republics. Short version of History. Glad you are here, and hope you eat loads of braaied meat and Biltong.

[@catherinekavanagh8102]

👏 Irish woman here also doing a little bit of benevolent history correction where we are concerned! A bit of over enthusiasm never hurt anyone I suppose. I'm fascinated by the RSA Huguenot connection. Dublin has a Huguenot cemetery preserved and kept well on St Stephens Green. Lots of parallels.

[@shaunspies1108]

@@catherinekavanagh8102 Wow, I was not aware, thank you for that.

[@catherinekavanagh8102]

@shaunspies1108 one of the big Dublin landmarks is a great stone archway into Stephens Green at the top of Grafton St commemorating the Irish men who fought in the Boer Wars. I'm afraid it was erected by our Colonial oppressors (!) So you'll need to guess the side they were on...🫣 but history is as history does. See also contemporary struggles with the Dunnes Stores workers in the 1980s who went on strike refusing to handle South African goods during the apartheid era. There was also an Irish Rugby tour to Apartheid SA in 1981 in which a family member of mine played. The tour J Robbie was on. Opinions are divided on this one and as they say history is written by winners so it's all a little more nuanced than we are getting in this video but that will be the thin Versfeld air getting to Tim's head... BTW I am pretty sure South Africa will hammer an exhausted and broken Ireland in this series so congratulations in advance 👏

[@orlandosadie6283]

@@catherinekavanagh8102 the bit I know about my huguenot history is they fled France into Germany as refugees. My great grandfather joined the German Army Mercenaries and arrived in the Cape almost 300 years ago. Back then they were vegetables farmers, but today a few families are wine farmers. The Huguenots stayed on in the Cape and did not join the Dutch to escape English rule.

[@catherinekavanagh8102]

@orlandosadie6283 that's extraordinary! Such rich history

[@mannyathabang1315]

I really hope to bump into you oneday Tim, it's unfortunate I'm out the city for the moment, one love and great vid❤

[@user-qo7qc9bf9r]

You are a breath of fresh air and make waiting for the game a real pleasure

[@antonduplessis6189]

Tomorrow's game is going to be epic! hope you get your interview with Deon Fourie.

[@waynewilson112]

Awesome stuff! Unusual to see a behind the scenes at a captain’s practise. Love your show bud 👍🏻

[@theoclarke5510]

Just another spectacular post, Tim. Beautiful!

[@creekyknee]

The guy has class to be sure.

[@mattconnolly6341]

I’m Irish so biased but for me one of your best clips. Thankyou.

[@malibongwe93]

Slight correction: 7:15 the Springboks do indeed wear the protea. The springbok was moved to the right breast to accommodate the protea.

[@Sustainabil-IT]

Tim, you have long been a fantastic ambassador for rugby, but your insights into rugby history and indeed history that you share has elevated you to "Ambassador Tim". This video is essential viewing for Ireland and Bok fans alike - we share so much in common that is to be celebrated, it is a wonderful reminder of that and an antidote to some of the online negativity from a minority of supporters. The bookies rarely get it wrong - a fully-loaded Bok team full of RWC winners (and double RWC winners!) against Ireland without JGP and Keenan, at altitude! I was at the games in 2016 and in Test 2 at altitude, though Ireland had a decent lead, a rampant Ruan Combrinck off the bench smashed through Irish tacklers who were out on their feet, I fear what we'll see from the bomb squad today. Looking forward to your "hot-takes" review of this one, especially should Ireland upset the odds!

[@micealmcgovern5575]

well done for trying the historical backgrounds for both nations

[@jeremielambin8690]

As always Tim is informative and not biased.Excellent reporting

[@sehlohomotsepa]

I love your coverage and your passion for rugby...wish u all the best with the channel

[@anthonylees5735]

Your passion and knowledge makes your presentation really great. Looking forward to you experiencing Durban.

[@alexanderweideman324]

Loftus is very special ❤ thanks for the great Chanel 👍

[@MarcWithersea]

These days I Like your videos before I even start watching :) You've created a very special rugby channel - it's become my go-to for intelligent, deep analysis and just good old sporting respect, banter and down-to-earth straight talk. Hope you continue to enjoy your stay here! I've been a green-blooded lover (and player) of this game since I was about 8 years old, way back in the day of the 1974 Lions tour. And I still sometimes think you know SA rugby better than I do, ha ha! Kudos!

[@PaulJoubertRKK]

Enjoy Tim! I have a shuttle to Loftus Versfeld tomorrow with 16 people. Enjoy your stay in South Africa.

[@joost1974]

Thanks for this, Tim. This was nice calm stop along this clown rodeo of a wind up to this game 🇿🇦❤️🇮🇪

[@woesmevrou5673]

The build up to the match is fantastic. Love that Supersport rugby channel screened Chasing the Sun 2 this morning!

[@weirdandwhacky]

tim is quickly becoming my favorite youtuber❤ keep going strong

[@katlegomore1388]

Mu favorite person on the internet

[@Camcolito]

Great video, nice to highlight the way rugby can bring people together. In Ireland that's one of the reasons so many people like the combined north-south national team and I'm sure analogous sentiments in SA.

[@zozijunia6755]

You are doing well mate! Welcome to south Africa 🇿🇦 🙌 we appreciate you, mate ❤

[@jandrebezuidenhout118]

I've always described ireland as the South Africa of Europe. Just because of the vibe and the people. Your video has such interesting insights of the parallels between the countries. Great work Tim. Welcome to SA!

[@justinoswald8825]

That talk by Michael is absolutely power. Second your recommendation, Tim. Glad you got to see it.

[@Armstrong330]

This is actually a very eye opening video. A must watch imo

[@muninnart1234]

Man! I love your channel! Super informative, thanks for this!!❤

[@Wildebees1982]

Unique coverage and a great parallel you drew today, well done Tim. One more - the Irish fought with South Africa against the British in the Anglo-Boer war.

[@KamogeloRakgalakane]

Wish the boks would consider playing a game in the township I remember going to Orlando stadium to watch the blue bulls vs crusaders in 2010 that moment stayed with me since that day I was 9 I'll never forget that day

[@anelfrylinck841]

Yes I remember that wirh all the vuvuzelas, also the year we hosted the soccer world cup. It was awesome! I am sure it will happen sooner than later. ❤🎉

[@riaanduplessis7325]

Great content like always , love your effort and time you put in!!

[@frasermilne7801]

Great podcast Tim. Top drawer. Always looking out for my favourite rugby channel. Enjoy SA.

[@markegerton8368]

I really enjoy your sheer love for the game, like so many of us here in South Africa. Love your content, enjoy your stay in our beautiful country.

[@fintankelly]

Well said Tim. Love the respect that each country has for each other, enhanced by SAs recent involvement in URC. I'm expecting a close match tomorrow but a Boks win by 5 (unfortunately) Respect!

[@davidjones3712]

There was a number of Irish who fought on tge side of the Boere against the Brits in 1899. Not far from the hotel in Roodepoort there is the war memorial to Irish people who fought against the British.

[@nandopotgieter8058]

Thank you for making the journey to SA and Pretoria. Tomorrow is going to be epic. Enjoy Loftus and enjoy the game. I will be watching from the comfort of my couch in Johannesburg. But the braai will be going and the biltong and beer will be flowing. Go Bokke!

[@IrishInsomniac76]

Excellent history lesson Tim and a great build up to the main event tomorrow

[@terencehill8145]

Amazing rugby channel, one of the best.

[@5jacksonsjourney179]

Fantastic video. Thank you for pointing out the positive similarities. Can’t wait for the game. Whatever happens, I have such respect for the Irish team and their fans. I hope the ones who travel have an excellent time in our country. Just like I enjoy visiting the amazing Irish isles and their rugby stadiums. 🇿🇦❤️🇮🇪

[@michaelshanahan4042]

Well done Tim I really enjoyed this one with the history lesson. Some of which I all ready new especially the stuff about paddy what a man he was 😊

[@InconvenientRob]

Very moving. Never considered any similarities between the two nations before this.

[@MrFranKane]

We, Ireland stood against apartheid and were one of the first european countries to do so, It's why Nelson got involved with the Good Friday agreement. We love the Boks but they have an issue with us in rugby. I hope it is a great game and best team wins. Éire AbÚ... Lets go Ireland

[@alwhy3124]

Brilliant as always

[@nostalgicbaainaar6384]

You really have an amazing way with words Tim.

[@dorrienvenables3057]

From a South Africa perspective, my view is that Rugby has been quite a uniting force, from Mandela lifting the cup, to Rassie and Siya and the boys, the 'better together' narrative is definitely there.

[@dorrienvenables3057]

Hey Tim I saw you also met the Gwijo sqaud at the end there, would be great to have a chat with them. Nice that you gave them some airtime 😄