Boks are still the best!

[@gemofdivinemystery]

Well done Ireland! It's all about respect and enjoying the game! From a Saffa and Bok supporter!!

[@brendonrobinson1762]

One of the most intense rugby games I've ever watched. Well done Ireland, from a Bok supporter.

[@davidloughlin2238]

@brendonrobinson1762 as an Irish supporter I am still in recovery, aided by some stiff Irish whiskey! Great game, great atmosphere, rugby fans are absolutely the best!

[@xollob]

Irish man here. SA are still number 1, no doubting that. I was thinking we would get well beaten so very proud to see the grit that the Irish team showed. I remember the old Irish teams from the past so I'm pinching myself that our little country is at the top table with the best Rugby nation on the planet. I love South Africa, people are really special. The two games were epic. "we'll meet again don't know where don't know when...." as the song goes.

[@SteveWarlee]

@@brendonrobinson1762 U haven't lived kiddo, in 1998 SA v NZ we were trailing 24-3 with 10 minutes left. We won 25-24. There's been others, but yes, these palookas today forget Jannie breedt, nasty Botha and Joel stransky who said, many a game is won by the drop. Our guys are just too one dimensional.

[@SteveWarlee]

@@patrickclarke8013 Ox the telly tubby grass roller

[@craigweideman6194]

@@SteveWarlee he'd probably roll you though, amirite?

[@jjjjjjo839]

Agreed, the number 1 thing is boring the shit out of me. A few years ago the All Blacks were No. 1. They were playing the best rugby and winning. Today, there are 3 or 4 very good teams, who on their day can beat one another. As an Irish fan, I'm glad that we are in the mix. 🏉

[@davidwalker2402]

@@jjjjjjo839 the reason SA make a big deal of number1 is because they cannot hold on to the title of number 1 firstly it was the ABs who were constantly beating the shi out of them now it’s Ireland and NZ 👍🤣🤣

[@aidantully6979]

It's so overdone and repetitive.

[@joshhudson7413]

agreed. south africa are the best team in the world because they won the world cup and are no1. But that doesn't mean if they lose they suddenly lose that spot. I'm just happy the gap between the top 5 teams is so small now and its not just the all blacks winning every game comfortably (saying this as an ab fan too)

[@nepiahemopo1702]

​@joshhudson7413 shut up.

[@tedmamphaga900]

⁠@@davidwalker2402At least the All Blacks have won 3 World Cup titles, unlike the Irish lads who have won fokol😂

[@garyoconnor8421]

As an lrish man i have not heard no i lrish supporters say we are the best in the world in lreland rugby is our number 3 sport in a country of 6millon people we are so happy to be called a great rugby team

[@Cmac7898]

4th sport no? Football, Hurling,soccer, rugby?

[@FAILED00CREATION]

For sure better at rugby than football like ​@Cmac7898

[@MAGA2024TRUMP-y8q]

Stop with the population excuse as nz have always had less numbers then everyone else and yet are the most accomplished and most well known rugby nation ever!!!! Also ireland couldn't be the best when they have never made it past a quarter finals 😂

[@groenrizla2513]

According to rankings Ireland are in a solid 2nd place between SA and NZ but it will always change. The rankings seem to be what people use to determine the best team between RWCs. And unfortunately rugby seems to be a dwindling sport in most countries, I think Ireland is similar to NZ in the number of players and then Scotland really punches above their weight having so few players. I heard the other day that rugby in NZ is behind netball, hockey and soccer in popularity and Australia too, it's not that big and apparently USA is the 2nd biggest rugby country according to numbers.

[@washerdryer3466]

@@MAGA2024TRUMP-y8q NZ still haven't gotten over that series choke against Ireland at home.Bitter as ever. 😎😎

[@davidloughlin2238]

As an irishman i would place no store in us being ranked number 1, SA have won last 2 RWC and being the champs is the biggest thing.

[@Trajan2401]

But world cups have a lot of luck to them Spain aren't the best womans football side Germany aren't the best basketball side but they both won see what i mean about luck

[@davidloughlin2238]

@Trajan2401 luck is always a factor, but SA have won 4 of them and you don't do that without being damn good. The boks seem to come to the RWC in modest form, often behind the likes of NZ, but they then crank out the results and win it.

[@Camcolito]

@@davidloughlin2238 They played well but got a huge dollop of luck which you always need to win tournaments. Of course every Saffa will tell you that losing a pool game and then winning every game by a point was all down to a masterplan. Any fans would probably be the same.

[@danielgriffin9431]

@@Trajan2401best team always wins .. ones makes one’s own luck 🍀

[@Trajan2401]

@@danielgriffin9431 BS Spain are the woman's football world champs Germany are the basketball world champs neither are the best at those sports most times the best sides don't win remember NZ 24 years.

[@mariusarendse2596]

Isn’t this the type of Rugby zel and keo wanted the boks to play and look what happened! Crazy to think that there are still people out here who think that come the next World Cup, the boks will win with this type of style! The first game was amazing to watch an absolute pleasure to see a super talented boks team give the ball some air and play with flair and variation, playing like that doesn’t take away from who we are and what our identity is as Springboks. I put the blame 100% on Rassie, he got it wrong this time, we absolutely shocked the Irish in the first game and they where there for the taking in the second test but yes we have to revert to playing so conservative and flat, so many times we were just too lateral with no variation and no plan. Ireland was better in every facet of the game and showed why the they are one of the best teams to play Union.

[@martinsmyth9709]

As An Irishman living in Canada, I agree with AF that on any given day at least 4 possibly 5 top Nations could be considered contenders as the world's best. It just shows how competitive the game has become.

[@TurtleFPL]

Literally no Irish fan is saying we're the best or ever were. Its totally the media and mostly the media outside of Ireland

[@johnmc3862]

100%.

[@Uwe-gb6nt]

For me a springboks supporter Ireland has the better team. 😢

[@morganrawson7386]

Good game. Good Irish win. Lots of chances and missed opportunities for both teams who had some very good moments, up and downs throughout the match. In the end, the game and result could be out down to one key moment. One could call it a 'Lowe' moment, but this time on the SA team. A great Irish kick toward the touch line into the SA half with 78 min plus on the clock. SA plays safe and shields the ball into touch, Ireland gets a lifeline. If SA is bold enough to take a chance and wait to see if the ball hits touch without intervention. It's an SA lineout with a chance to close out the game. Good on the Irish to make the most of this moment and steal the win. Amazing for them.

[@andrecarstens6340]

Going for poles again and again was our downfall. Nonetheless, Ireland deserved the win, it was a great test series 🙌🏻

[@jldp24]

As a bok supporter..no we are not the best. We won the world cup..but Nick Mallett summed it up well..we won all the KO games by 1 point in the WC. We lost to Ireland. We are are world champs..but we are not nr 1.Ireland are nr1. We need to beat Ireland away from home.

[@phillipreay2552]

I agree with you I think they are the 2 best teams in the world but on results over the last year you do have to say Ireland are the best team in the world atm , not world champs or number 1 in rankings but are the team hardest to bet. Yes NZ bet them in the World Cup but it could have gone either way as indeed the World Cup could have .

[@garywalsh6304]

​@@phillipreay2552Truth is is amoungst Ab, S/boks,Ire 'n France most of their games can go either way. The boks got the 'long straw at W. Cup

[@hanoitripper1809]

@@garywalsh6304and England on their day can win

[@roccov11]

Ireland also won by only 1 point. Do you diminish that win also like you seem to do for the Bok wins in the WC? We did not lose to Ireland, the series was drawn. In fact on agregate SA won by 6 points. No, SA is still no 1, especially after back to back WC wins. Ireland need to show that they can do it on the big stage. You also can't argue that SA won the last WC and the last British and Irish Lions series and are ranked No. 1. These are objective metrics, not a finger in the wind and subjectively saying Ireland are No.1.

[@jldp24]

@@roccov11 hey mate calm down.. just pointing out that we not dominant

[@DirkCoetzee1982]

The way the Irish celebrated showed how much it meant to him. Amazing series! Putting this into perspective. (1) South Africa are the World Champions,(2) ranked number 1 going into the series and still number 1 after the series (3) Drawn series (4) 51- 45 points difference in favour of South Africa after 2 matches...only question, why wasn´t there a third test match?

[@johnmc3862]

Absolutely, beating the world champions has to be huge.

[@kerrybrad]

No-one seems to mention that 9 of the 10 point come back was when Irish captain was in sin bin.. Hat off to both teams. Great game

[@patrickbrennan911]

The boks were no more unlucky in this game that the Irish were last week. No try for SA. Most points came with a man in the bin! Boks even picked up 3 points from a wrong call on a knock on. Full credit to SA for being great hosts, for the Springboks being a great team and congratulations to Ireland.

[@andrewwarren3566]

You guys earned more respect from us, awesome having another special team like the AB to challenge us regualry. It can only push us to become better. Was awesome having you gents.

[@SteveWarlee]

Unlucky, your the guy who says, if that drops hadn't gone over, we're the best and lucky doesn't count. No my China, the boks and this shitty win by a point attitude sux .

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Looking forward to going head to head in the URC next time around too. Love having you playing club rugby with us and our Scottish, Welsh and Italian brothers.

[@tadghmurphy7807]

The URC is the best thing to happen to rugby. Great learning from playing SA teams. Great to watch and will be a bigger trophy than ECup.

[@Trajan2401]

​​@@JastorKeane-ln2tzit's funny how the SR final got more views than those inferior NH.comps like the URC and champions cup finals dispite o🎉nly being NZ sides lol.

[@barryclarke8101]

Im an irish supporter since the 80s. Went thru the horrendous 90s. We've come on in leaps and bounds since the age of professionalism. We're doing ok. Broke down barriers with the obvious one still to do. I love to see the way our team performs now. However we are really not a rugby nation. Its fourth probably for player pool etc behind Gaelic football, hurling and soccer. I have never heard any supporter i know think we are best in world. The best in world atm imho is without doubt SA. This is just a BS ranking thing. Double cup winners??...no one can argue with that.

[@romanutd]

Came through the 90's too, serial wooden spoonists and a pretty miserable time for a fan have never been prouder of the team than I am now though, thrilled with the win , SA double WC and rightly #1, I do wish Irish fans would quit with this not our #1 sport thing , I doubt anyone cares.

[@philbradshaw7650]

I agree, but the 2019 world cup was won without having to beat NZ Australia France Ireland or Scotland. The 2023 world cup proved SA deserve to be called the best in the world even though Ireland beat them.

[@Rickybobby_ie]

This is all that really needs to be said on the subject ! And people mocking ireland for never winning a world cup or reaching a semi, we have never been really in contention until 2023 ! So proud of where this team is going

[@markmacken1]

Great coverage guys

[@ShaneMcG7855]

Knock out tournaments, South Africa are number 1 in the world. Over a period of time with test series and championships, Ireland are number 1. And if we are to say 1 v 1, well the results show Ireland come out on top again.

[@DM-rp9ik]

They completely mis analysed the first game, making the incorrect assumption the bulk of their points came from all the Bok possession and territory. It was actually 2 or 3 big moments that went South Africa's way a potential 21 point swing. The opening try aside the rest of the scores and non scores were Ireland's mistakes. Lowe not letting the ball go dead and throwing it back in the field. This week Ireland where not that sloppy and those moments didn't present themselves.

[@loots0533]

I would argue that all points are through mistakes. That’s what happens with pressure or if players are not quite up for it every moment. I thought Ireland was brilliant over the past weekend and definitely the better team. I didn’t think South Africa were particularly good in terms of how they play on both weekends. But on the first weekend they were just a little bit better overall than Ireland. I think what we learnt is that there isn’t very much between the 2 teams. They really talking a lot about the what if (1 percenters). I agree with them. That’s what it came down to.

[@loots0533]

I would argue that all points are through mistakes. That’s what happens with pressure or if players are not quite up for it every moment. I thought Ireland was brilliant over the past weekend and definitely the better team. I didn’t think South Africa were particularly good in terms of how they play on both weekends. But on the first weekend they were just a little bit better overall than Ireland. I think what we learnt is that there isn’t very much between the 2 teams. They really talking a lot about the what if (1 percenters). I agree with them. That’s what it came down to.

[@danielgriffin9431]

As an avid Irish fan, SA are the best team in the world because they win the matches that count (tbh last Sat was fantastic to win, but winning the QF last year wud have been 100 times better!).. SA are the world champs and will remain the team to beat & best team in the world until they are beaten in matches that really matter .. and we won’t have them till ‘27 .. there are fine margins between the top 5 teams (1 point actually 😔), each can beat each other on their day .. world rugby is in a great place 🏉

[@dallorto194]

I don't understand why anyone cares if Ireland, the Boks, or any other team is the best between World Cups?! We lost to a great Irish team on the day and it's as simple as that. Painful yes, but they played better than us. Most rugby fans would take a World Cup over a number 1 ranking any day of the week!

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

I agree. I’m proud of my team and it’s great to be in the conversation but this business about who is the best is stupid. South Africa are the WC holders. You have our respect as I hope we have yours.

[@dallorto194]

@JastorKeane-ln2tz Ireland is a great team with awesome supporters, just like the Boks! I can't speak for every South African, but you definitely have my respect.

[@Trajan2401]

You can't keep reverting back to the w9rld cup you're only as good as your last game.

[@dallorto194]

I totally agree! I'm just saying that the argument about who's best between World Cups isn't so important that it warrants such a continuous debate. Ireland were better than the boks on the day and it is what it is. I didn't bring up the world cup win to boast, I'm just saying that when you boil it down, most fans would take a world cup win over being ranked no1, so it kind of makes the argument irrelevant.

[@roryhanrahan4809]

As an Irish fan, I'd take a semi-final over Number 1 ranking...

[@EamonBrennan-f2j]

The fact that there is a conversation (ridiculous as it may be) and that Ireland are part of it is bizarre to us older fans. For the first twenty years I watched rugby we managed 1 win against France, 2 against Australia and 0 against South Africa and NZ. And a lot of those matches were extremely one-sided. Win or lose, these are great days, and I am loving every minute of it.

[@lawrenceatherton4310]

We lost by one point , last second drop kick , a more experienced full back leaves the last touch kick , gane is over. Just before that a mock throw lineout , penalty to south africa, the margins and calls are tiny . Its not like we got destroyed and we talking dokm and gloom 😒 third test sinxe thr world cup . Lets all calm down.

[@PB22559]

'We lost by one point' lol the irony. You also won your 3 world cup knock out games by only 1 point.

[@geoffnelson6756]

World Cup champions is like an MOT, lasts for a year (4 in rugby) but only valid for one day, a team is only as good as its last game.

[@groenrizla2513]

No that's what the rankings are for, it determines the current best team overall but the rankings never really meant much until Ireland hit No1. Now being No1 on the board seems to be important all of a sudden.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@groenrizla2513 It's mostly people outside ireland pushing this No 1 narrative, but then the animosity from the boks fans is directed at Ireland, to me NZ is the no 1 team of all time, as they had 10 years there. Everyone else dips in and out. Currently SA deserve the no.1 spot, but the best team in the world is measured by different parameters

[@Trajan2401]

True you are only as good as your last game can't keep reverting back to the world.cup and world cups have a lot of luck to them..

[@groenrizla2513]

@@geoffnelson6756 No I dont think there's any animosity from the Bok fans, that's all just media hype, it is them that bolster the No1 vs No2 in the world and it's not a bad thing as it promotes the competition. It is NZ that might argue that they are currently the 2nd best for making the RWC final. NZ have always been the Boks biggest rivalry and that's not going to change any time soon. SA have never been comfortable in the No.1 position so we'll see how long they will hang onto that. There's no doubt that NZ are the title holders as the most consecutive team in the professional era even though they hold 1 less RWC title than SA do and what are the parameters to determine the current best team if it is not the ranking system? The alternative is to create a yearly ranking system and only between the teams that play each other in that year, all teams will start on say 80 points and at the end of the year one could determine who is the best team for that specific year. The down side to this is that teams need to experiment, bring new players in, new coaching staff and have to build towards the next RWC so it's not always necessarily going to be the best teams playing each other. Drawing a 2 test series doesn't give a winner and many had expected this to be a draw too so how do we determine from a draw who the best team is otherwise.

[@geoffnelson6756]

@@groenrizla2513 Yes I realise it is a small minority of so called fans littering the Ireland rugby videos with toxic comments and Irish fans respond to it. Rugby never has any trouble at games, so it is an online issue.

[@melsmyth]

South Africa are still number 1 for me. Irish fan here

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

South Africa are no.1 for sure but I honestly think we’d beat them again next week if we played.

[@Trajan2401]

As a. neutral I consider Ireland better SA have been world champs for 5 years and only beat Ireland once in all that time so yeah world cups have a lot of luck to them just look at the Spanish woman's football side and the German basketball side they are world champions too but neither are the best at those sports and I put SA in the same category.

[@username-iq1nt]

@@Trajan2401 luck is certainly involved in any tournaments, but you can’t attribute Boks’s success in the last WC primarily to that. SA literally played the top 6 teams. They narrowly lost to Ireland, but beat Scotland, France, England, and New Zealand ain’t no joke. Boks literally had the most difficult path to the final of all teams and managed to overcome

[@biosensore]

@@Trajan2401As a bok supporter I feel we are very over rated. Our win percentage the last 8 years is probably not even at 70%. If you look at the dominant All blacks from 2011-2015 they won 90% of their matches. We are probably the most overrated team in history and I feel we’re losing to England on the end of year tour to rub more salt on in the wounds.

[@tomhayes750]

only difference this week was the ref giving SA six points this Saturday, compared to fourteen last week....:)

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

🤭

[@TauCeti973]

Who wouldn't;t love to see a 3rd test? But it's important that teams like Portugal get more exposure and experience playing big teams. We can't have it all our own way.

[@shaankeegan4555]

Love the comment about man of the match, than was my opinion of the world team and all the awards at the world cup. Pre-emptive decisions were made there too, in anticipation of a Northern Hemisphere final and win. It was just so bloody obvious.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Money and Nels should read the article by Ben Smith on rugby pass titled 'The bark doesn't match the bite' a little insight into the 4 WC wins.

[@shaankeegan4555]

Love the show guys, name not withstanding, I am a Saffer.

[@Natedawg38]

I dont we should get hung up about the number 1 title. Pretty happy at number 2, its a nice place to be. Ireland is still finding its way down its own path of destiny. We still suck at world cups, so that's really where the goal is. And i would say for sure our real rivals are the all blacks. Theyve knocked us out 2 wcs in a row, you cant write that. Being number 1 in the rankings, winning series, it comes very far down the list if we cant build a wc pedigree. Who knows tho, i think the future is bright for irish rugby as long as farrell stays with us for at least one more crack at it.

[@raymondolivermcintyre9264]

This “number 1 “ in the world nonsense is an obsession for the traditional powerhouse rugby nations like South Africa.Rugby fans in Ireland are quite happy to be mentioned in the same breath as South Africa, the All Blacks and France.We are quite happy to be in the top 4 of the world consistently and to be picking up historic wins like on Saturday.The top 4 is important as it mirrors the actual position of rugby Union in the sporting hierarchy of Irish field sports.Rugby is clearly number 4 in terms of participation behind Gaelic football, soccer and Hurling (another Gaelic game) So for us to be getting under the skin of Rugby obsessed nations as a 1,2 or 3 makes everyday a great day to be an Irish rugby fan. Rugby is our number 4 sport in terms of participation but the support comes from across the Irish sporting family which also is unique in the world.

[@Irish780]

Ireland with all their good players missing and still drew

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

Boks also have key players missing so fairly even there....best 2 teams share the spoils until they meet again

[@Stormer-Europa]

Boks lost a few early in the games. More of an impact imo.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@plutoniumnitrate1201so if the boks have a pool of players 5 times bigger than Irelands you’d still call that even ?

[@davidwalker2402]

@@Stormer-EuropaRassie decided to name his team unchanged 5 days before kick off to try scare Ireland into thinking the boks are invincible but 10 minutes into the game the boks are falling like flies two go off and your team is completely leggy unfit and for what another ridiculous gimmick from Rassie . This was a test you won the first one you should have been testing out new talent fresh players . Overall Ireland were better and deserved to win. You’re still No1 until you’re not and you’re world champs for the next 3 years.

[@davidwalker2402]

I find it strange when he says you’re the best team in the world then goes on to give the impression you cannot beat Australia or the all blacks. If you’re the best then you shouldn’t be thinking other teams will beat you.

[@joelhickman9158]

Not being funny but Scott Gibbs does genuinely talk over Zels at every opportunity 🙉

[@maryjooste6161]

I agree you can't stop playing you stop the last when whistle blow

[@wildebeest88]

Look folks. SA went into both tests with a different game to their usual robust style, thanks to the rule changes. So it's a new phase for the Boks, which under the circumstances could have been a 2 nil win series for them. But Rassie must be quite happy that his new style had to get Ireland to elevate their game 10 fold, particularly the physicality. Regardless, I can't see Ireland playing at this intensity game in game out. I'm fearful, when the Boks manage to get it right, they will be a bigger force to be reckoned with. Let's see if it plays out.

[@geoffnelson6756]

The 'unfinished business' claim has resulted in a 2-1 to Ireland. SA cannot claim to be unlucky, they barely breached the 5m line and were fortunate in a couple of the penalties, the one which put SA in front was actually knocked back by Sacha Feinberg, a fair TMO would have reversed that one. Doris going off (correctly) forced all the penalties and gave the boks a chance. Ireland scored by trys, conversions, penalties and drop goals, without Pollard the score would have been different. Ireland are still no.2 in the world, for now.

[@MrRugbylane]

Some URC fixtures are gonna even more spicy 😊. Ireland SA links are getting stronger.

[@850620arno]

Awesome show as always, just one thing I was wondering about was why Pollard cloud not complete a proper drop from behind the goal line on 2 occasions. 😕

[@BogartAus]

Sacha should have taken them he was amazing!

[@MosesMatsepane]

We are being hypocritial when it comes to selections. When Rassie was experimenting during big games and we lost we used to say why doesn't he select a "tried and tested" squad, now that we lost with a "tried and tested" squad we are discussing selections. From my position, Rassie has proven himself where it mattered the most....the only thing we still struggle with is wining the Rugby Championship.

[@JohnMichaels-fs7bi]

Our players are older now. The selections was the reason for the lost. Kwagga is not a starter.

[@danielokeeffe6358]

And beating Ireland. Its kinda embarrassing for ye now

[@MosesMatsepane]

@@danielokeeffe6358 There's nothing embarrassing about losing to Ireland, they're a great team. Why are ye so cranky mate...😅😅

[@brianmsahin]

We Irish have never said we are the best team in the world. We have only said that we have beaten the Boks 4 times in the last 5 games and 9 times in the last 14 games. South Africa are multiple world champions and the best in the world , except they can't beat Ireland very often.😉😁🇮🇪🇮🇪 I'm being tongue in cheek here. I do really think that you need to be special to win a World Cup and we never have. However Ireland v South Africa is a different kettle of fish. You should be happy that you lost to Ireland in the group stages. If it had been the final, who knows ? İreland have a great record against the Boks.

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Bit of a depressing podcast boys 😂 Kleyn looks like it’ll take him at least three weeks to get over the loss

[@Camcolito]

He's still in the denial stage.

[@MrRedsh1rt]

It doesn't matter who 'the best' is. I do think SA edge it but the teams are so closely matched that it just comes down to the intangibles to determine the outcome. A fluke, or a moment of brilliance you can't reliably call upon or a refs interpretation of an event can be all that is needed to cause the game to go to or away from one of these teams.

[@quinnsa27]

So, Portugal aren't worthy of playing the Springboks but Fiji are worthy of playing the ABs?? Yet, Portugal beat Fiji at the WC. Could none of the guys have pointed that out? The likes of Portugal will always be shut out of the global game if we can't even remember when they make history

[@ciaranbrk]

Yeah but let’s be real here which one would you rather South Africa versus Portugal or South Africa versus Ireland the decider?

[@kelsyn21]

Would rather see S.A V NZ playing in the U.S OR back 2 back 3rd test S.A v IRE NZ v ENG if they truly trying to grow it there

[@SteveWarlee]

It is just a rugby match after all. What a palooka

[@koiselectsa]

Enjoying the show gents 🙏🏼

[@Zarguy12]

Back-to-back rugby world cups. had the toughest run to a world cup victory of any other team in the history of test rugby, played 5 of the top 6 ranked teams in the world and won the tournament. RESPECT THE BOKS!

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Plenty of respect for you guys in Ireland that’s for sure 🇮🇪 🇿🇦

[@davepenn7774]

toughest run up sounds like you won every game lol. only winners to lose each time

[@geoffnelson6756]

That's because top seeded teams usually get an easier run, with the early draw for last year, it resulted in a slightly easier semi, Ireland had the most difficult series of games up to the QF's, the injuries sustained v Scotland handed NZ the edge a lot they played a great game.

[@geoffnelson6756]

And those dubious last minute penalties on the halfway line to win by 1 point didn't require any element of luck!

[@paulmurray6663]

I Have Never Met An Honest Irish Rugby Supporter Who Doesn't Have True Respect For The Bokke, Maybe it's the Green and Gold?🤔

[@StephenBrown-vh8mz]

Got to keep Scott on this just gives the show integrity even if he was an osprey

[@saltygoodness101]

Irishman here - we never say that we are the best team in the world and that is being 6-3 up over the last decade and our losses all happening in SA against the World Champions. And against the most capped Bok side in history. Why can the Bokke not understand that with that record it is always a contested crown. I respect the world cup wins, but the Irish are the only team that the Bokke consistently lose games to. It is a genuine rivalry, personally I love being able to be true rivals against a truly monstrous SA team - personally, we have more trouble with those Kiwi fellas.....

[@brianmacartan5371]

Hey Irish, South African here. I agree, people always say the Irish think themselves as the best team in the world except I've never heard one Irishman say that. All I see is fans appreciating how well Ireland have been playing and loving these epic matches. Long may it continue 😊

[@Whiteymac]

Lots of begrudgery calling Ireland the black arts but when the boks kick the crap out of teams it's "Physicality"

[@raykennedy-k8o]

The man of the match in the northern hemisphere goes to the winning team and is decided immediately after the match is over.

[@WayneNinnemann]

Boks still stay the best in the world

[@Irish780]

I actually cant remember any losing team get a player man of they match can anybody else??? Boks must have thought they won in 79 minute 😅😅😅😅

[@tadghmurphy7807]

What's with that?

[@subhuman119]

That's actually a good point. Most times the man of the match is called before the game is even over.

[@BogartAus]

99% of games it’s called 5mins before ending for the TV Broadcasters to get organised.

[@wot4922]

🏆🏆🏆🏆 nothing to explain to anyone. Don't let anyone tell us differently SA. They did exactly the same after we won in 2019.

[@paulmurray6663]

Yes, As an Irish Fan, Green and Gold,4 Times World Champions, But as it's Our 4th Most Popular Sport on The Island, We All Celebrate Humbling the 4 Times Champions in their Backyard.Dont Underestimate Portugal, Play a Very Expansive Game.😉

[@nevillepieterse9983]

Plus did not compete in the first x 2 WC so who know we may have had 5 or 6 lol

[@DavidSmith-yi8ou]

@@nevillepieterse9983 na, not winning in NZ in 87.

[@Trajan2401]

​​@@nevillepieterse9983no chance in 87.

[@Trajan2401]

​​​@@paulmurray6663I keep hearing that yet your own show Off the ball did a poll on which sport the Irish like to watch the most and even they were shocked when rugby came first soccer seconds and GAA 3 and 4 funny that so I decided to Google Ireland's most watched sporting events and what do I see in the headlines..Rugby dominates Ireland's most watched sporting events...the stats don't back you up about rugby being the 4th sport.

[@armandtoma8124]

I'm sure someone has said it ... but PORTUGAL BEAT FIJI at the World Cup. So ja.

[@Trajan2401]

Yes but if you played Fiji 10 times they would win most of them.

[@andrewspaltman]

As good as Ireland was, South Africa was equally terrible. I only wish that they had a 3rd test this coming Saturday. That would have been epic.

[@StephenBrown-vh8mz]

Rugby when test rugby is played to this level is the premier sport in the world for me and why it sells out stadiums hats off to saffa fans shame it's not a best of three series

[@IS-77]

The highest achievement in nations rugby is the RWC, and the Boks are the reigning undisputed RWC Champions .The Boks have won RWC 4 times ,including the last two RWC. Ireland has never won the RWC.. The Boks are currently ranked number, and yet some people still can't figure out who is the best in the world??. No disrepect to Ireland, but facts have no feelings.

[@MrKamish]

Zel and Keo was right. It some time felt if the Boks was running away from the driving maul. When they did maul it did not work. It is as if they did not train mauling since the world cup.

[@steveparis5049]

First off I was happy that kwagga got to start both games but I don't think we can do that again, we lose to much physicality, his much better second half when the opposition pack is tired and there's more space. Really missed a big number 8, especially in the first half.

[@lawLess-fs1qx]

Ireland scored more tries over the series with their B Team. Series win for the Irish and a gold medal for the kolbe dive.

[@PB22559]

And a gold medal to Du Toit for crying to the ref pleading for the drop goal to be overruled. Pathetic stuff from him and Etzebeth.

[@creekyknee]

Rumour has it that Kolbe has been signed by Man Utd and is being considered for the SA high-dive Olympic team.

[@yellowboat2055]

We should celebrate the fact that we have 4 or 5 incredible rugby teams who can all beat each other on their day. Enough of this who is number 1 childish talk... it's getting old now.

[@murraysmith595]

Reigning World Champs. But are far to inconsistent to be considered best. Like 4 rugby championships in 28 years.

[@Trajan2401]

True consistency is the true measure of a great side world cups have a lot of luck to them.

[@frankvendetta9230]

Fair outcome of this series

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Just checked out GAA on utube. Looks like a cool sport. Question: Can an Irish person please answer. Is this sport only played in Ireland. The stands were packed and exciting stuff. Cheers from Durban, South Africa

[@kerrylass2]

Basically yes...both Gaelic football and hurling/camogie are our indigenous sports and are played in every parish and every school. It is amature but they train and play like professionals. Croke Park is GAA owned and its holy temple. For instance there was a semi final last weekend between County Armagh and County Galway with 80K +. It has the largest following of any sport in Ireland and the inter county rivalry and passion is INTENSE. My family are GAA and are completely oblivious of rugby...I am a lone wolf and they think I am weird. lol

[@brianbarbarich1401]

@kerrylass2 thank you for the information. Such a good sport, combination of so many things going on at the same time. If I stayed in Ireland I would be a supporter. Well done to Ireland beating the Springboks at Durban.

[@quintonvanniekerk4056]

Springbok team: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels Substitutes: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Ruan Venter,20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn

[@Fletcher806]

For the life of me I just don't understand why the Springboks and their supporters allow themselves to get wind up by the Irish and they're supporters in the most silliest of ways. It's the first time the Irish have ever achieved what they've achieved in their rugby history. They've finally got a seat at the head table and everyone is finally taking them seriously. They're feeling good about themselves and invincible. I say let them have their moment because I think now they're finding out that it's harder to stay at top then getting there, and that's the real test. Besides, the SB have achieved the same on so many occasions and have won four world cups to boot. Besides, by the time Ireland wins a WC it will probably be 100 years from now given their track record. 😎

[@trevorkeyes7035]

Don't be a prick

[@Fletcher806]

@@trevorkeyes7035 😎

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Is Kolbe known for his diving or was this a once off?

[@brettfleiner4906]

Please mate, Koble does NOT give up, there was another angle that showed the slightest of bumps from one of IRE's forwards just before he fell, not enough in it to be considered obstruction imo, but enough to put someone running at full speed off balance. Sad to see a sore winner trying to create this narrative.

[@YallCrazies801]

Best team in the world? Its a matter of perspective. World rankings? World Cup? Or the team that is currently performing the best?

[@subhuman119]

The Springboks are #1 still, purely on rankings, and rankings alone. Yes they are the current world champs, but Ireland didn't get that memo, if they did, they don't care. The Springboks should be going into every game as favorites simply due to their world champ status. What people need to realise, is that the majority of the squad that won the 2023 RWC final, more than likely won't be there in 2027. This South African side is going to change immensely over the next 3 years, I just hope it's for the best, otherwise take a lesson from the 2015 All Blacks when a chunk of their experienced players retired, they've never been the same since.

[@millerbiz]

With the Bok new style of play, the Boks will win some games and it will look spectacular but be prepared to lose many games until they revert to playing springbok rugby as we know it.

[@robinlolo2606]

Why does no one talk about they should've atleast one of those penalties went to the corner and try to score a try. Marx was on and the line lineouts was beter. I'd say go for the try show them the confidence and believe. And extent the lead further so that they have to score twice to get the lead

[@winsandlossesdurbanrugby]

Can Zelz please get to finish two sentences. Oh he has his own show😂

[@Jan-p4y]

Keep telling ourselves we're the best. Needed a penalty try at Loftus to beat Ireland and lost in Durban. Doesn't sound like the best to me

[@joshuabrowne1370]

Sounds like the boks didn’t play together for 8months ? Or don’t you think of the bigger picture?

[@AC-hu3xk]

You have a point, but to keep winning even with 1 point 3 games in a international tournament. You need to do something good. Could have been beaten out of the game in 3 games in WC. Coming back even against Irish from bg deficit. Its dam good team.

[@nox6885]

What nonsense is that? So we didn't win the World Cup because we won by 1 point? Craziest sh!t I've ever heard.

[@user-uc8yb9rt5d]

You're talking crap

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

@@joshuabrowne1370ahahahhaa you cannot blame it on taut

[@CptRumcan]

Let's forget the score for a min and just pick a team on form and gameplan over the last two weeks. If you look at the 4 halves of rugby, it would be a tie in my opinion.

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

As an Irish fan I actually agree. I actually thought we were unlucky not to win last week and on the other hand, you could easily imagine one of those drop goals going the wrong way on another day from this weekend. Drawn series is a fair reflection, with the caveat that it’s always harder for the touring team. Proud of our boys! 🇮🇪

[@Trajan2401]

Ireland won the series because they drew away and were unlucky in the first test they also scored more tries.

[@CptRumcan]

@@Trajan2401 no winning away is impressive but they had two games, win the first one then you can talk about winning away.

[@Trajan2401]

@@CptRumcan just saying overall the Irish were better they drew away and scored more tries not boring kicks.

[@Top-Comment-1]

Did Rassie loose his broom 🧹? ? As the series 2 - 0 sweep he predicted never happened 😂 🇮🇪🏉

[@janviljoen7001]

I was also wondering if he has lost his touch. But I blame the Boks playing like schoolboys, kicking the ball away and in that last two minutes not holding on to the ball. Then the ball was not kicked out and a drop followed. Dont they know the rules or was the captain absent to tell them what to do? And what happened to the bomb squad, forgot their bombs at home? Bad!!

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Kleyn looked super unconvincing when he said the boks are the better team 😂 🤣 🤣 dude is shellshocked. Every chance Ireland would win again next week if there was a third test and he knows it.

[@brettfleiner4906]

I don't think anyone could confidently predict the results of a 3rd test if there was one. Wish there was though, awesome contest between two really good teams.

[@PB22559]

SA are deserved world champs but in their last 5 games with Ireland, Ire have 4 wins and SA have ONLY 1 win. This Ireland side don't lose 2 games on the trot and you all foolishly wrote them off. SA cannot claim to be better than Ireland with only 1 win in 5 games. I think they've only lost 3 of their last 24 games. Enjoy the humble pie, you three deserve it.

[@ethancroft5512]

I rate Ireland, France, New Zealand and England above the Boks at the moment. Too many underperforming players and limited tactics. Even staples of SA rugby like the maul are not functioning properly. The Boks are going to be in for a rude awakening in the Rugby Championship.

[@kevinferguson4291]

Not a chance mate

[@MrBannajo]

I wouldn't say the ABs are better than the Boks at the moment still a lot to work on if we play the Boks with that line out we had against the poms we'll find it hard, real hard.

[@klagoshaya5517]

Women’s NRL was on free to air TV whereas wallabies are on a subscription streaming service so it’s not apples with apples

[@ottoschulze4606]

No doubt! Number 1

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Can’t See how … no tries .irelans had 6 players missing that always start. You played in Durban. Wc shouldn’t be doing that

[@craigweideman6194]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k well, you could always check the world rankings that will explain how

[@stevenfennell7020]

Ireland are the better team according to results. I would say the same if SA won in Dublin.

[@derekfelton8287]

Doris for the win.Ive never seen Dassie so cross

[@nmn9166]

Ireland won the test 2-1 . First test was WC. 🏉🇮🇪

[@user-uc8yb9rt5d]

Is there a trophy for that?

[@TamiDaire]

@@user-uc8yb9rt5dYes the prize is you know you are better than the Boks, worth more than a trophy.

[@wot4922]

Reaching much😂😂😂

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

I dunno if the bokkes understand the craic but fairplay my man 😂🇮🇪

[@BogartAus]

The first drop goal looked like a punt on replay and that why the second one look so much worse as it was a proper one 😂

[@jamesmcmanus3468]

Fact is the top 5 teams in the World can all beat each other on any given day. The quarter finals between the top 4 were all one score games and SA won the semi and final by a single score. This best in the world crap is just that 😂 I would love to see the World Cups changed to a different time of year so that it changes the prep for the Northern and Southern teams.

[@derekfelton8287]

Faf fluffed evrythging.Kwagga was off - he is impact - lessons learned

[@gergemini2993]

Great discussion lads ❤from🇮🇪 best team in the world 😂just joking 😁

[@googleuser1380]

The box are the best, didn't score a try and lost the game. Your as good as your last game!!!

[@TheBuildKingR]

Indeed still won the thing ever other rugby team wants when it counted.

[@hadrianbeaton1572]

Sacha (15), Manie (10), Grant (9), with new game plan! Can't wait to see when it clicks.

[@jenifernaidoo7231]

Canaan 😊

[@jonathandavis8599]

For me: 9 Grant..10..Sasha..11Arendse..12 Willemse..13 Moody..14 Edwil..15 Cheslin.

[@hadrianbeaton1572]

Too much choose! Cannaan will end up as 15 when Willie retire , Williams/ caanan

[@boerbru9721]

Rassie was out coached is selections werent good specifically Kwagga at #8 3 weeks in a row sub par we have better options and the bench selections of salmaan and van staden were the wrong choices on the flip side farrell actually had the guts to drop their captain and it came to fruition

[@SteveWarlee]

As a bok supporter, I said after the RWC we slid in by the skins of our seats, and we still slid in at loftus. Ireland, depleted etc played better than us and are definitely superior by might, by brains and fortitude. I'm ashamed of this so called mighty bok team that couldn't win both at home. Great test match, but I wouldn't be surprised if even Australia whip us.

[@lorcancooke2301]

Really needed a third test to decide it.

[@chrisnaude2929]

Guys, we need to get rid of that sh!tty kit. OUr alternate strip should inspire and at least look somewhat good.

[@Driver2616]

The first test between these two sides saw some very bad decisions by the officials going against Ireland. I can’t say that this then handed the game to SA because nobody knows and never will know. But I’d like to have seen what the outcome would have been if Luke Pearce and in particular, Ben Whitehouse, had not delivered such an incompetence performance. Both Doris and Lowe had perfectly good tries disallowed and Snyman, coming from an offside position, showed no professional duty of care to Casey. Lowe was also clearly in touch when he had contact with the pill. How that wasn’t seen is beyond me and of course that led to a SA try. The penalty try was a farce. It was a penalty but please show me where a certain try was prevented. Shocking decision.

[@tadghmurphy7807]

Ireland should've won last week too. J Lowe try was fair. Ireland dominate SA these days even with a depleted side. You saffas can cling to that world cup but the world knows we are better than SA. I'm just saying what everyone knows.

[@kerrylass2]

Everyone? You don't speak for everyone in Ireland when not even the worst of our media since the WC ever claimed we were best in the world . We could beat SA from here to 2027 but until we get past a freaking QF we still have a long way to go.

[@craigweideman6194]

correction: 4 world cups. Not sure how they dominate SA, you lost by 7 in the 1st test and won by 1 in the 2nd. I think "dominate" is too strong a word

[@carterpaul2688]

They shouldve brought Le Roux on last 20 minutes

[@brianmurray6287]

Ireland Fan we were all robbed of a 3rd test

[@SteveEdwards-kh5hg]

Kolbes dive,ohhh dear😂😂no tries in world cup final against mostly 14 men😂no tries in this test but ohh boy zel and co tell us how brutal,are the best forwards in the world but can't score points.😂😂😂

[@KickOutTheForeignersInNZ]

Yes not a great side really just been lucky with officials in the last year or so and their forwards can't be that great if they've lost to Ireland 4 times out of the last 5 overrated.

[@itsovergetuptherejoe]

Zel is a top Top bloke!