ARE SOUTH AFRICA 2023 THE G.O.A.Ts? | The Greatest Rugby Team in History?

It's a question I've been thinking since the final whistle on Saturday night and especially, after the World Rugby 'Dream Team' featured only Eben Etzebeth from the World Champions. This is a TEAM, maybe more than any other gone before it...but are they the Greatest?

[@5PRINGB0K]

I believe Faf de Klerk said it best : we may not be the best 33 individual players, but as a team we compliment each other and work for each other. That is what team sport is about.

[@suewindsor5196]

Tim, you actually brought tears to my eyes. At times we do feel that the rugby world is against us, for whatever reason they have. To have someone like you making the comments that you do is heart warming to say the least. A massive thank you from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@georgehugo561]

The way Siya ran over to Cheslin and embraced him in a massive man hug as the final whistle blew says everything you need to know about the way he cares for his team - each on individually!

[@markcrossman3356]

I don’t think there has ever been a team that is more “squad” focused then this SA team. Even the way the bench is viewed and used is completely different. SA has changed rugby from a 15 man game to a 30 man game. That’s the biggest innovation this team has brought. Great video Tim! As always.

[@ismailfrancis6159]

England 2003 got me into rugby. I can name the entire 22. They ran a fantastic WC campaign. Springboks play for a higher purpose. It's for the people. It's for the struggle. World Rugby struggled to put that into their template of awards.

[@garybaltiejus7248]

As a kiwi, I'm conflicted year to year the all blacks are more consistent, but South Africa since returning to world rugby in the 90,s have. been better performers at rwc level, but you have to take your hats off to the bokkes

[@user-yv6mw4nv1t]

Hi Tim. I’m a 78 year old grandmother. I have so enjoyed your commentaries. You’ve helped me understand so many aspects of the game. I just love how fair you are in your comments. I am one very proud South African. My love & gratitude to our Springbok team for bringing the sunshine in.

[@Westyend]

I’m a Wales fan and follow France as a second team. When the boks beat France in the quarters I was ambivalent about them but full of respect. I then, for the first time I can remember, supported them when the final came around. And you said it. It is their teamwork and self belief that is so impressive. Along with great coaching. I thought the substitution of Libbock was a master stroke. Won that game for SA. I also now understand the trauma on the faces of SA when they were beaten by Japan IN 2015. The RWC is everything to them. Well, hats off - and look forward to seeing you in Cardiff next time!

[@victorsnyder9293]

I will definitely agree with you Tim, As a South Africans we've witnessed this team grow, as a Nation we grew with the team... They certainly are the Greatest.

[@Kaytlin_]

As a South African it brings me to tears listening to you share our story. Wow thank you Tim 🙏🏻😌

[@user-gp1eh3yb2w]

This Boks team deserves a lot more credit than what they get. We’ve seen top class international teams over the years but this team is exceptionally special both on and off the field. Full respect for what they have achieved 🙌🙌

[@rosellelouw7495]

Thank you Tim!! As a South African who had to witness the relentless bashing of our team throughout the competition, this is just so much appreciated. Yes we are resilient as a nation and our rugby team is the epitome of who we are as a nation. This touched the ❤

[@Slappies007]

As a proud South African, I thank you for your remarkable words, respect and honor comes to mind.

[@tomnutritionist]

What I love about his team is the innovation in the game plus the belief that they’re part of something so much bigger sport. Amazing team 🇿🇦

[@wot4922]

I've been following your work since you began your YT channel Tim. What's brought me back everytime was your lack of bias, knowledge, professionalism and passion for the game delivered in a manner that one cannot help but be drawn to. Please continue your excellent work. I really appreciate you. Thank you for your kind words with regards to our Boks. It means so much to us🙏💚💛🇿🇦

[@esmewarne229]

This team encapsulates the best of South Africa - brotherhood, faith, perseverance and joy. It has reminded us of our roots of Ubuntu - 'I am what I am because of who we all are" and who we can be when we stand together. Their ethos: 'the sum is better than individuals' and their undying committment to give 100%, in my albeit biased viewpoint, makes them the G.O.A.T. Thank you Tim for the depth your understanding about the Springboks and South Africa!

[@cecilvanniekerk3805]

Tim it has been an absolute joy to have shared your amazing coverage across all the games and all the teams during this world cup. No bias, no flogging sacred cows, just balance and great information. You have made it a pleasure to participate from afar. Thank you

[@wlk2408]

The Springboks have made over 300 changes to their team in the last 25 test matches. They have used 52 players in that time. They are the first team to understand that using all your talent will be better than putting all your egs in one basket. They lost Lood, Pollard and Am before the World Cup, and then they lost Marx and Mpimpi but got Pollard and Am back. They have changed the way coaches will approach the way they use the talent in their system.

[@sheldonrichter9349]

Finally we have someone beginning to understand what our much loved, admired Springboks are all about. It is not a team its a FAMILY. GREAT show keep up the great work 👍

[@jean-claudeionita8844]

There is only one thing that makes me sad about this amazing team: Many will not be there anymore during the next WC. But I guess this is how legends are made :) Thank you boys for all the incredible emotions I had during this 2 months... I was lucky enough to see them playing 2 of the best ever games in Paris... If only I was South African!