Bernard Jackman predicts Ireland vs South Africa

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to look ahead to the two-test series between bitter rivals Ireland and South Africa
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[@homonaledi640]

As a bok fan, We may lose a test but we cannot lose the series at home😨. Ireland is a top top top team. I hope Pretoria fans will do what great fans do.

[@dhirshg]

Boks have only lost one two series at home in the history of the sport - not happening. A draw...possible.

[@StiofanGaillimh]

Without JGP I honestly don't have huge confidence that ireland can come away with any win this series. As BJ said if we can stay competitive I'd be happy enough i.e within 7 points

[@davidwalker2402]

I think this test will show just how bad a coach Leo Cullen is…

[@waywoo25]

Looking forward to the tests. I'm a bok supporter living in Ireland. I've been here for 21 years. Since I've been in Ireland we've been losing to the Irish I know cos I live here and it hurts everytime we lose. Since the Jake White era we've lost more games than we've won against Ireland. I don't have the stats but I'm pretty sure of that. In fairness to the Boks they normally have played Ireland in Ireland except for the 2016 tour. The Bulls front row is definitely not better than the Boks although Wilco Louw was outstanding against Leinster. My head says this is going to be tough and close. My heart begs for a Bok blowout because I'm not sure i can deal with a one pointer again 😂. I remember walking out of the old Landsdowne road when Jake's boks lost to Ireland feeling really dejected. An Irish fan came up to me and said don't worry this doesn't happen that often. But since then Ireland have gone from strength to strength and are going to be contenders for many years to come. The Irish team of the last two years have an amazing story. Someone should make a movie about them. They have slain the giants of the rugby world and with a very limited pool of players. Much respect to the Irish. The Irish rugby story is one of great success. But the Boks must use their homeground advantage and beat Ireland convincingly. BOKKE!

[@TheLinzitoPodcast]

Thats not true, 21 years goes back to 2003. Last Springboks win was around 2016

[@boddela4544]

Your breaking my Heart Bok Fan Back to Back World Champions 😢

[@Sineadmcd]

I think the boks will be just fine

[@adeyemiige6906]

Its 6-8 in favour of the Irish since 2004. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_Ireland_and_South_Africa

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Thank you for acknowledging how far Ireland have come on in the Rugby world, I am so very proud of them, as you say, we have a limited pool of players, so I think we have done pretty good these last couple of years or so. C’mon Ireland ☘

[@dve804]

As a Bok fan, I always love listening to the great Irish pundits, such as Jackman. Non-partisan with exceptional analytical skills. Woods and Carney are in the same mould and also excellent. Few other nations can boast this standard of commentary.

[@barrypower6822]

I think wood has retired from pundit duty after the 6 nations

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

I wish we had a few non-partisan Irish TV Rugby commentators!

[@dve804]

@@barrypower6822 pity

[@barrypower6822]

@@dve804 ya but he did say on his last gig on off the ball he has either being playing rugby or working as a pundit since about 1990 . I think was fed up with it too be honest

[@FareedLoyiso]

Ireland best player 7yrs ago was a saffa(stander) ireland best player now is a kiwi(park)

[@rassienortier5096]

The bulls props better than the Boks props, don't think so

[@jadenphilander8799]

nah, they are not fit enough for Test rugby.

[@AC-hu3xk]

😂😂😂 amazing yaa

[@jonathandavis8599]

Wilco Louw better than Frans. But Ox is better than Gerhard. OX, Wilco combo would destroy all before them.

[@kerrylass2]

Bernard Jackman is one of the best analyst out there and this assessment to me is bang on. Anyone with two eyes in their head watching the players recently would see they are tired and off ...its been a long season for everyone in fairness. I too would be happy to see them step up a notch and be competeitive and over the moon if they win one test.

[@patman142]

I don't know, they are among the most looked after players in world rugby. There is even an argument that Leinster were not battle hardened enough going to S. Africa recently

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

As a bok fan..... it's going to be close. Can't wait!

[@saren6538]

As an Irish fan, no it’s not and you know that

[@barrypower6822]

I am worried as a Irish fan about this match . These players look tired and have been playing rugby for a straight 12 months

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

@barrypower6822 as a bok fan I'm worried because we've only played 1 game this year and that was practically a different bunch of players. I just don't know man... we'll see how things pan out come Saturday. Best

[@barrypower6822]

@@johnwagenhauser9835 I think it's a match too far for our team . Your strength in depth is far higher than ours . We are a couple of injuries away from a shambles

[@celticfc1916]

I fear this one, too. Think South Africa to win both . They will be going all out on this and feel like Ireland rugby is running a bit flat at the moment

[@acadoe]

Bok fan here. Jackman speaks a lot of sense, it's good to hear.

[@barrypower6822]

When it comes to pundits around the scrum , line out etc I doubt there is anyone better . Because he does not do bs

[@hlangaful]

"Bulls props are better scrummages than Springbok props"?...mate, you smoking something

[@ciankeith3999]

Hey, don't be so unfair. People smoking something would have more sense than that 💀 such an absurd take from an otherwise good pundit.

[@louisvanniekerk2612]

They are

[@hlangaful]

@@louisvanniekerk2612 let's ask the Glasgow/Scotland front row what they think

[@markshields5883]

As an Ireland fan i dont think we have a chance in hell of winning a game , this boks team is awesome

[@will1964]

Irish fan here . Good to see one win in SA but if we win a series I don’t think it’s a good thing as we will get carried away to early in a cycle and end up failing in another WC. I don’t think we get 2 wins anyway unless the Boks are in an experimental phase . Now is the time to experiment with some new Irish players, blood a few young 10s

[@Jay-Leigh863]

I think both teams will select tried and trusted players for the first test. It's crucial for both and they both want the win and the series. The loser of the first test has an exponential increase in pressure for the next test which increases the likelihood of mistakes. As a South African Springboks supporter I'm really looking forward to this series.

[@patman142]

only 2 games, not 3

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@will1964 I'd agree with that. Much prefer to be written off by opponents than hyped up. Ultimately this tour does nothing for Irish rugby.

[@MrDOB1000]

I agree and I don't. A series should be good gauge of ability...so winning such things but failing in others would point to choking / mentality issue rather than reaching your potential and peaking

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@MrDOB1000 No it doesn't matter this far out from the next world cup. Nothing at stake only bragging rights. Even ranking points won't change that much and even if they did what does it matter 3 years away from the next major competition.. Players are tired and need a break and a proper pre-season with their clubs. Very few people in Ireland will watch this compared to previous tours. It's on Sky and the Euro 2024 is on at the same time which will get most eyeballs in pub's

[@Natedawg38]

I think measured reservedness is the appropriate approach for an irish supporter. The circumstances are not favorable but we are still a good team. It will be a very interesting game.

[@hasparov]

Jackman also predicted we would lose in Paris (tbf most people did.) But it panned out differently. Ireland are very much not Leinster.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

How so. They are 2/3 Leinster reinforced by Nash, Aki, Crowley, Casey/Murray and O’Mahony.

[@joemoody7440]

@@patrickmccutcheon9361 if you change a 1/3 of the team is different!! Yo answered your own question??

[@michaellarkin6168]

@@patrickmccutcheon9361they also have andy farrell who is much better than leo cullen, I have immense faith in andy, what a legend

[@SiyoyoStofile-kw6yh]

As a Bok fan I'm extremely nervous for our defence..it usually takes our guys a couple of tests to get aligned defensively due to everyone being scattered around the world.. a team as organised as Ireland is not ideal as a first up opponent...if our pack doesn't bully them like the last two meetings and reading between the lines Libbok and his shoddy boot will start as they feel he is the better game driver and more aligned with what Tony wants to implement... Ireland could be in business

[@paulnash5500]

The Irish team handled the Boks scrum power in the WC and the Autumn games. They are being quiet, training hard. Silence is golden. Jackman is so negative about Ireland 🙄

[@MA-ik7ys]

4 more years

[@sdv917]

Boks scrum success at the WC game 9/11. Handled? I think this is a split series. Each team will fire their shot.

[@MA-ik7ys]

@@sdv917 to be fair thats the boks scrum rate

[@sdv917]

@@MA-ik7ys yes and it's considerably better than 5-7 if you're talking about scrum win percentage.

[@MA-ik7ys]

@@sdv917 the boks had a poor scrum % at the rugby world cup. 88%. It was aroubd 5th.

[@patrickcoote8441]

Didn’t Leinster beat the bulls 47 to 14 at the end of March, weren’t the sharks woeful for the regular season, Libboks goal kicking for the Stormers cost them in more than one game. I.e. you can find reasons why one team will beat the other. Home advantage is still worth 15 points, SA already have a game under their belts and are favourites. It will be big for Ireland to clinch the series but not essential to their growth. That said I’ll put some money on Ireland winning as backing them has been very rewarding these last few years with such high quality performances. Ireland will be looking for the ref to police the offside line, high tackles and blocking lines. Ireland will apply more of Munsters attacking approach, territory, kick chases, Crowley attacking kicks. SA will also kick a lot and look to attack wide, JOB will be a target as he’s decision making in defence needs work, they will target scrum and lineout. Also imagine the post match press conferences if Ireland win! They will be priceless

[@Alias-gy3tz]

15 points? Rubbish.

[@douglasdejager8450]

These guys are way better than OTB. It's great to have Ireland as rivals!

[@trevorsammons8179]

Good analysis...

[@markwinter7511]

No need for Ireland to be pessimistic here. They're a great team and will be absolutely more than just competitive.

[@kerrylass2]

I don't think its pessimism in fairness its just reading recent form and calling it on that. Still possible they will up their game....they will have too.

[@barrypower6822]

I think it's coming from the Irish players look every tired at the end the season and it's can they raise their energy levels for two more matches

[@kpm25]

I don't think Ireland have much of a chance playing the Boks on their home turf.

[@brianhourigan]

Hopefully it's a great matchand series. The only tie this weekend that has a bit of spice. Love it.

[@chrismia2402]

Just as an FYI, us Saffas are expecting a close series that can land 2/0 1/1 or 0/2. Ireland have been the form team for 6 or 8 years now.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

It was Leinsters (first team) first time in Pretoria a few weeks ago. I think they will be better because of that even if they did lose against the Bulls.

[@DM-rp9ik]

Whatever happens to the same players when they go from green to blue, their set piece goes to shite Irelands set piece generally holds up Leinster almost always are the worst of the two teams in this area Dragons could probably squeeze a few penalties out of them

[@nicolaaspretorius6258]

"You're not going to win matches with your scrum" - did this fella miss SAs knockout matches in the WC??

[@the_katman2181]

I think it's going to be a lot closer than that.

[@chrismia2402]

Jackman has a point that Wilco Louw is a beast of a scrummager. Also Ireland have a great scrum, in the last few years the Boks did not get the upper hand. The first time we saw any weakness in Ireland tight 5 was against NZ in the RWC QF.

[@affiliateclimbmax9287]

Wilco Louw was left out

[@CF-lg8jd]

I don't care if we win or lose (as I sit here now, that may change Saturday), I just want to see fresh blood and lineout parity. I don't see how we win a test, SA are awesome, if they want to be!

[@Rugby-xp1wh]

Ireland can not get back to the level they played at the World Cup without Sexton, JGP, Keenan and Hansens that's simply not possible

[@taintabird23]

You should be fine so: 2-0 to the Boks.

[@Rugby-xp1wh]

​@@taintabird23 Its just a game of sport. Ill be fine either way 😉

[@thomasVA9707]

i think you guys are underestimating that irish team, they have won the most test matches in recent years of any team

[@McGillivrayDavid]

Boks are generally poor in Durban which is a worry

[@kerrylass2]

Really? Why is that!

[@AC-hu3xk]

Bulls front row is better than Bokes props.....oh 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jonathandavis8599]

Wilco definitely better than Malherbe, but OX is better than Steenkamp, would love to see a OX and Wilco combo

[@Camcolito]

Scrummaging.

[@user-jw4yc3ec6y]

One thing Ireland and SA have in common is they step up 30% when they pull on the national jersey- this is going to be very very tough for theBokke - I hope they are mentally up got two dog fights

[@cornedenecker1636]

It's gonna be a great series. Ireland are awesome and the Boks will need to bring everything we have to beat them for sure.

[@user-rn9co7jc4t]

I think Ireland are going to be forced to play 6-2 on the bench and I’m interested to see if they let Porter play 70 minutes while Healy only plays 10 cos his OLD!!! Knowing the Boks, they will probably have their bunch of top forwards on the bench like Snyman, van Staden, Marx, Koch or Nyakane and Roos if Kwagga starts or vice versa To play against those bigs who start and fresh more coming from the bench at altitude, That sounds draining Plus don’t get me started about THAT crowd which will be there at Loftus. WOW!!!

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Cos his old? What?

[@justinnell1957]

Why so negative on Ireland - beat the boks in the World Cup, won the 6 nations, a team in the finals and two teams in the semi-final of URC - I am a Springbok fan and very nervous. Ireland have had our number for years. Think it’s going to be a very tough series

[@one_eyed_odin]

The boys look knackered pal, and defeated mentally hopefully they'll put up a good show but something tells me they are just not in it for these tests this year 🤷

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

In fairness, I think a lot of Irish fans can see that there is a major rebuild already underway with the national team. There are a number of players who are close to the finish of their international careers (Aki, O'Mahoney, Healy, Herring, Henderson, to name a few) - unlikely to be selected for the 2027 WC. There are also some concerns about the current on-field leadership, given the disappointing performances of Munster & Leinster in the Champions Cup & URC playoffs - obviously the retirement of Johnny Sexton has some bearing on this. We know these 2 Test Matches against South Africa are (imo) going to be really intense and, given the verbals coming from Rassie, Eben & Damien, there's an added edge to this. For me the question is what team can Andy Farrell select to make Ireland competitive? I can't see him selecting Connor Murray or Peter O'Mahoney as starters, even though that will put more pressure on whoever is captain (Ryan, Doris, ??).

[@dazza9859]

Don’t be silly.The Irish are awful.😅They are the biggest chokers in world rugby.They are not even in with a chance .

[@taintabird23]

Fatigue. The Irish players are burned out.

[@JOATMOFA]

I can't wait .... !

[@mjribes]

I'm a Bok fan, but I have massive respect for Mr Jackman. He is always fair and always speaks sense. As for the series - Boks to take it 2-0, but they'll have to work hard in Durban.

[@clibo1]

Yeah this is the best Iriah rugby team of all time. They can definitely win the series against the Springboks but it will not be easy. I don't ubderstand why the Irish media is not backing their team.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Simply because most Irish Rugby Fans know that this team is in the early stages of a rebuild like in 2019-20. I anticipate that results over the next 24 months will be spotty - I hope I am wrong but, we will know a whole lot more after this South Africa Tour.

[@kurtfrancis6638]

I think the Boks are hungry, I think they will want to set the record straight. They had enough time to reflect on the negative media since the two teams met 8 months ago. I honestly feel there is going to be a beating. New Zealand and the rest of the world pundits take note, no excuses, stop blaming the ref and TMO when the Irish are defeated. Springboks are always undermined. Go Springboks make this series count.

[@thewizzard1588]

Get a mic, lads.

[@Mo-wt4ks]

"The Bulls props are better at scrumage than the Boks props..." 🤣 That's a good joke!

[@louisvanniekerk2612]

Why is it a joke if they demolished the Sharks and the Stormers and any other team they faced. The Leinster front row is the Irish front row, which the Bulls demolished, and the Boks not. Wilco is the best ask Ox. Grobler is the best hooker scrummager in SA. Steenkamp dominated Koch. Work with facts not emotions.

[@Mo-wt4ks]

@@louisvanniekerk2612 Frans, Bongi en Ox... ( en Marx ) Gaan terug kerk toe tjom!

[@warrenfourie7875]

Really the Bulls props are stronger scrummages than the Boks. In your dreams

[@decekfrokfr3mdx]

Louw is a better scrummager than Malherbe or Koch, but offers much less around the field.

[@user-yn4je1hc7g]

Ireland have Slim chance because the is some missing key players like Gibson park and Sexton Is no longer

[@jaconel1673]

Altitude can't be an advantage as 95% of the Bok team don't play at altitude...

[@taintabird23]

100% of the Irish team don't.

[@MA-ik7ys]

i think ireland get trounced by the boks

[@MrDOB1000]

There are a lot of south africans here...maybe says something about level of punditry over there 😂

[@DM-rp9ik]

Leinster coaches are complete muck. The Irish scrum goes ok against teams more the most part. Leinsters scrum falls to bits against anyone half decent.

[@joemoody7440]

They did a job on toulouse's scrum in the European final??

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

That's a bit rough. Sort of a back-handed compliment to teams that have beaten Leinster in 2023-24. I'd rather wait to see what changes with the coach, Jacques Nienaber, having a bit more time to install his program. Make no mistake though, Leinster are going to be under the microscope in the upcoming season.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@fawltyoldboybasil.2178 The defence was the only thing looking half decent and even that got picked apart by the Bulls in South Africa. The attack was as blunt as anything in professional rugby. The scrum is suspect, and the line out looks like they don't know each other. These are for the most part the same team that won 17 tests in a row, beating everyone at least twice in that streak. How can the scrum hold up against South Africa and France in these games. It even looked good in the 1 point loss to England, but at Leinster, it's all a shambles. Some coaches need to be moved on its just not good enough.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@DM-rp9ik agree, some coaches need to be changed.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

@@DM-rp9ik You make a good point about the comparison between the national team and Leinster in terms of the coaching. Nienaber has his work cut out for him correcting all of the problems - how much of a say does he actually have in terms of player selection? It's all well and good having a great defense, which is why the Leinster blazers recruited him, just not at the expense of having an attack. I believe that Leo & Jacques will have the next 12 months to demonstrate that they are fixing the situation - and the first item on that agenda must be addressing the #10 jersey.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I agree with Bernard. Two decent performances will be enough. Let the Bok have their vengeance. Ultimately it doesn't matter, this far out from the next world cup. Hopefully, it will keep their fans from obsessing about us and keeping off our rugby forums.

[@Camcolito]

The latter would be nice. Next under 10s Irish girl's rugby channels will be full of Saffa trolls.

[@seanschoeman247]

Are your forums Irish only then 😉 Come on, isn't it a treat to have a new rival and more banter. Love the Ireland fans, you'd be surprised how well you'd be welcomed in SA if you want to tour. Since we joined the URC this rivalry has been what's made it so interesting...

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

I would agree with Bernard Jackman too - winning one of the test matches would be wonderful but, given our current form, somewhat unlikely. There's a small section of Boks fans who have become quite disagreeable/unpleasant (very similar to a small section of Welsh fans) about Irish Rugby - markedly so in the wake of losing that group match in the 2023 World Cup, EVEN THOUGH THE BOKS WON THE WORLD CUP!! Go figure!

[@eugenem4505]

Jaysus it's as if it's now a crime for Ireland to be finally consistently winning matches and celebrating after their wins 🙄especially after years of losses and misery in Irish rugby.. The constant obsession by the Saffas is just. Simple fact that we now sit at the big boy table and r taking notice.. And yeh yeh don't come at me about how many world cups Ireland has..preeh!! Tell us something new..shit is getting old

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@seanschoeman247 It's an Irish rugby podcast about Irish rugby. I like to engage with Irish fans in a respectful and positive way rather than responding to the constant abusive comments from South Africans who seem absolutely obsessed with Irish rugby media and seem to take offense at the slightest thing.

[@maryrosepoi5748]

I don't think that South Africa will win against Ireland...good luck!!! only time will tell.

[@clinthay5222]

No chance!!

[@AC-hu3xk]

Partisan Crowd. When bokes play in Ireland what do we get . Good crowd.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@AC-hu3xk Any top 3 team would be favoured to win their home games and the Boks have altitude on their side for one of their tests so home advantage is multiplied.

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

​@@neilmontgomery3470 Not really. Look at the Bok squad and tell me who plays at altitude. Willie and KLA from the startimg lineup. That's it.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@UlrichHoltzhausen Actually I think you might have a point. The majority of the Irish players have probably played at altitude more recently and have had a decent amount of time to acclimate. Not sure if it is a huge advantage this time.

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

@@neilmontgomery3470 It's almost always been that way. Even back in the days when all players played locally, usually more than half the team was made up of coastal players.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

@@UlrichHoltzhausen Also I don't its just the altitude. Temperature can be a big factor too, particularly for the northern teams in the URC in the early part of the year. At least it will be relatively cool in Pretoria in July.

[@christianloots495]

Bulls scrum stronger than bok scrum... 😂😂😂

[@cianmaher945]

Horrible mindset from these two going into a series

[@izakcelliers7307]

why do everyons say who they suppport...just comment

[@danglybit1]

scrum, flyhalf...decider

[@nox6885]

Bulls fan here. Our scrum is not better than the Boks scrum, that just makes absolutely no sense at all. Is he drunk? Must be 😅😅😅

[@HeeniKeke]

South Africa carry the burden to win with all their claims of a whitewash. Ireland are being u der estimated and hope to see Ireland give it to the Boks

[@taintabird23]

Most Irish players are looking exhausted. I think if Ireland were to win one test, it would be a great achievement.

[@boks23]

Pronounced Swys

[@Sunshinez732]

Will Ireland win one of the two? Quite possible. Will they win the series? Doubtful. The Boks have lost close games, that they should arguably have won, in recent matches. The Boks won't be beaten on good fortune at home.

[@paulpusal7823]

wow..bit of reverse psychology maybe ?? Irishman giving up already

[@fonz114]

Nah, im Irish, i think We'll lose big, long season here, Sexton retired, Gibson Park out, we dont have a huge pick like SA, I think Ireland would do well to make it anyway close within 6,7 points,

[@paulpusal7823]

@@fonz114 for me the thing about the Irish is there tenacity, they weren't intimidated by the all blacks when the won in NZ. And I predict they will surprise the Bok pack and get the upper hand in the opening half. If scores are level at half time and they take a conscious decision to take the shot anywhere within 60m, whenever a penalty is awarded they just might upset the cart and run out winners. 25-23

[@taintabird23]

@@paulpusal7823 That team that went to NZ two years ago were less tired looking than the current outfit, and they were on the ascendancy. This team, while probably not yet in decline, looks tired and several key players are out injured. The performances of Munster and Leinster in the URC indicate something is going wrong also. The team you describe we last saw against SA in the RWC.

[@ritzemaritzema-xo4dz]

ireland will never play in a WC final

[@gordondarker4073]

We played in the under 20sfinal against France last year

[@jameswyatt4443]

After what the Bulls did to Leinster, the Boks will smash Ireland. You think you’re good. Play a game in South Africa first.

[@Sineadmcd]

They just said ireland won’t win 😂

[@MorrisdeSaucer]

Jesus ,calm down lad, they predicted an irish loss, I guess you read as well as you write 😂😂😂

[@jameswyatt4443]

@@Sineadmcd I’m not speaking to what they said. I’m speaking to Ireland in general.

[@Camcolito]

Clown, can't read, can't listen.

[@joemoody7440]

After what Glasgow done to the bulls and Munster did on there recent tour to SA, I wouldn't be so cocky its not impossible Ireland get win.. stop being embarrassingly arrogant!

[@HaydH]

what absolute random gibberish...

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

For an Eagle, you are very wise 👍

[@garyoconnor8421]

Turn it of so