Can Ireland win a Test match in South Africa? | The Left Wing

Luke Fitzgerald, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Will Slattery give their verdict on Ireland's chances in South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast.
The lads preview the first Test, which takes place in Pretoria on Saturday, and discuss the budding rivalry between Ireland and the Springboks.
Rassie Erasmus' team selection, areas of concern for Ireland and the Champions Cup draw are all up for discussion too.

[@Jim_Cpe]

Rassie Erasmus took on a SA side that got beaten 50 points to nil by New Zealand and won a world cup a year and a half later. South Africa is the most fraught environment to coach in (worldwide) when you consider the politics and the environment. The idea that the best way to coach an SA side is to simply "get out of their way" as though the resources would simply produce wins without coaching is just about the most inaccurate statement I've ever seen from a rugby pundit. He obviously has no idea what he's talking about.

[@Graham159871]

You said it better than I could have

[@buhlemankune3574]

"His no genius"😂. He doesn't like Rassie. Its not the first time, him saying that.

[@powerbite92]

Rassie told his ghostwriter, David O'Sullivan, and also said on Biznews TV, that he had never, not once, encountered any politics in his job - at all. Rassie is obviously a good coach, but what narks people is what a plastic-fantastic liar he is..Kolisi CANNOT fetch and didnt play well at either the Sharks or Racing. yet Rassie persists with the Emperors New Clothes, picking fetcher Kwagga at 8 to compensate for his captain. Kwagga isn't a real 8. before Rassie picked Marx or Fourie at 2 to be the fetcher.. it's getting ridiculous now. but liar Rassie persists, traffic lights ordering his players around because.. 'Siya is an aMaZiNg cApTaIn!' .. no he isn't. the BS continues..

[@GysbertDewet]

@@powerbite92wow you clearly have no idea what your talking about.

[@powerbite92]

@GysbertDewet you can convince Bokke rugby fans of anything - except the fact that they have been tricked. Which is why all the bokke rugby fans are going on about "stronger together" oblivious that, meanwhile, the rest of the country is hopelessly divided apart from One thing, they are united in hating the rugby .. wine aunts, liberals, fair weather fans and various other types of 'rugby' regime servants .

[@reabetswekhiba7551]

Homie really doesn’t like Rassie 💀

[@decekfrokfr3mdx]

Why would he? Rassie's a prick.

[@corneldejongh]

@@decekfrokfr3mdx 🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Ahh, come on, we all love Rassey ☘

[@michellerobertson3268]

​@decekfrokfr3mdx you know Rassie? We love him to bits! 😊

[@benpiek4428]

@@decekfrokfr3mdx Takes one to spot one - douche bag

[@jessearries5113]

Boy in the middle is purely bitter 😂😂

[@Pand896]

Always negative against Rassie and SA in general,Who is He anyway?

[@Camcolito]

@@Pand896 He literally said SA are brilliant the sentence after.

[@ndlovuayibongwe77]

20:30 Saying ' They got a few lucky breaks against France and a few very weird tries' is another level of hate😂😂.

[@petes9524]

700 years of oppression by the English caused this bitter, envious, helpless Irish whining.

[@decekfrokfr3mdx]

It's true, they got two lucky tries by hoofing the ball into the air and slapping it back (and it bounced into the right hands), and then a bs penalty by Kwagga Smith when his hands were on the ground for ages before getting the holding-on penalty.

[@markcrossman3356]

@@decekfrokfr3mdxlucky tries, cheating ref…. Won the hardest draw in rugby World Cup history. If luck can win you a World Cup then the sport itself is problematic

[@ndlovuayibongwe77]

@@decekfrokfr3mdx bro I don’t know what you smoking🌱but that cross kick from Mannie was as good as any other, Arendse contested it and he beat Gael Fickou and Ramos to the try line…. Damian Penaud wasn’t gonna catch Kolbe then or any other day…. De Allende made a break before he scored his try from the resultant run of play … and Etzebeth juc bulldozed the French defence in the 5mtre to dot it over the line… That wasn’t any luck

[@ashleigh3021]

@@petes9524Extremely ironic. Irish people didn’t have 30,000+ put in camps by the English and killed, Boers did.

[@redhowell7856]

That ginger guy in studio does himself no favours on his credibility in his assessment of Rassie and the Bok 2023 RWC campaign.. "Overblown as a Coach and nearly botched it at the RWC" ?? Bwahahaha!!. Try and be a real journalist about Rassie and Jacques and show some bloody respect Chom.

[@greatshark9625]

Disrespect is being shown in this interview.

[@PB22559]

What disrespect? The three of them are expecting SA to win.

[@corneldejongh]

@@PB22559general disrespect towards and biased against Rassie and the players by the one pundit. Clear as day.

[@decekfrokfr3mdx]

@@corneldejongh Why should they like Rassie? Why do you always have to be the victims? Can't they mildly criticise your precious coach without your little egos getting hurt?

[@PB22559]

@@corneldejongh Not everyone has to 'love' Rassie. You saffers have gone mad. Fitz isn't a big fan of Rassies, so what? Why do you care? He didn't 'disrespect' him and if you're offended, you're a little cry baby

[@corneldejongh]

@@PB22559 Not offended at all! Takes much more than that, haha. To the contrary Fitz seems "offended" by Rassie for some reason. Why does he have to rub off his dislike for Rassie on the listeners (based on untrue/non-valid reasons) and mention the negatives of the Boks against France for example? Not relevant to the discussion and the upcoming game.

[@elduderino3236]

He's in your head, in your head, RASSIE - RASSIE - RASSIEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@izakcelliers7307]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jonnywalker5361]

No originality from Springboks again. Have to copy our own song too.

[@elduderino3236]

@@jonnywalker5361 Jeez, for a nation known for your sense of humour & banter, you're a bit of a wet blanket 🥲

[@jonnywalker5361]

@@elduderino3236 you guys are definitely not known for your sense of humour 😂😂 The song is about the troubles and violence in Ireland. You Saffas all talk about respect. No respect there. Enjoy the game I think SA will win.

[@theoclarke5510]

🤣😝BRILLIANT🤣😝

[@denisoconnell8745]

Rassie is good fun for the game, helps build the rivalry. Would love to win one down there, come on ireland :)

[@garyburger6319]

Amen, that's such a refereshing attitude! Best of luck.

[@edlanjacobs5491]

Whoever wins, rugby wins at the end of the day. This rivalry is welcomed.

[@garyburger6319]

@edlanjacobs5491 well said! 🙌

[@user-bq6bp5ze2w]

Now thats the right way of seeing it.

[@ThabangNong-bl6do]

“South Africa got a few lucky breaks against France , a few weird tries” Irish media is a joke 😂😂😂

[@Zion66666]

Ireland got 8 unlucky breaks in WC quarterfinals

[@renierswart5878]

Completely agreed. That is the arrogance and disrespect from the Irish media. The last win they had against the springboks in Ireland was "a few lucky breaks".

[@etiennedutoit6514]

@@renierswart5878 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGao2qkoM-IpMk

[@etiennedutoit6514]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGao2qkoM-IpMk

[@GysbertDewet]

The last 2 games we lost becuase of not having a kicker. We win both Games is we just had a kicker.

[@TheBuildKingR]

You say no evidence of genius? What bs, world rugby changed the scrum rules. Won back to back, so don't talk sh!t

[@BogartAus]

What has that guy won 😂😂

[@TheBuildKingR]

​@@BogartAusthe hate this guy has is unbelievable and they call south Africans arrogant

[@Tomk79rhby]

Yeah he's talking utter nonsense 😮

[@PB22559]

@@Tomk79rhby He's not though. SA have the best players and strength in depth in world rugby. They were favorites to win it and rightly so. Nevertheless, they didn't hammer anyone. They lost to Ire and won their 3 knock out games by only 1 pt. Rassie was Munster coach for a while and the side didn't do too well under his management.

[@Alias-gy3tz]

@@PB22559 BS! France and Ireland were favourites. We kept hearing about a Northern Hemisphere final. 🤣

[@nickysebastianmiller]

The stadiums for URC games aren't empty though. Try filling 55k spectators every week

[@Tomk79rhby]

Yeah agreed. And SA teams had of the highest average home attendance numbers. 2 cents did a video on this

[@iainhirons9909]

We could get Taylor swift to sing the anthem before each game

[@petes9524]

Hy weet nie wat hy nie weet Nie.

[@jeanm27]

Stats shows that the only reason our stadiums look empty is because the are all international stadiums and not the 5000 - 10000 capacity like in the north. Yet we have the highest attendance of all

[@nickysebastianmiller]

@jeanm27 true. I was reading an article on how each and every URC round there was record-breaking attendance, largely thanks to SA attendees averaging 20k spectators. Quite bonkers that they expect SAn to have capacity at every game while their stadiums are smaller by a factor of 4

[@hennievandenberg7865]

Still to see the genius, so 2 world cups didn't convince you?

[@dumingwenya7388]

😂😂😂😂 It’s ridiculous

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

Say, how many world cups have Ireland won? Wait, how many semi-finals did they ever play in?

[@daniebouwer4586]

What a load of absolute drivel. Proof that any tool with a microphone and a web cam can put their misguided views out there and find a band of clowns to agree with them 😂

[@MoerseBokbaas1]

When the bok fans and players talk about the arrogancy and disrespect its this media outlet along with otb and RTE that we talking about.

[@rossgalvin]

Each of them are backing SA to win, not Ireland. What disrespect and arrogance are you speaking about?

[@powerbite92]

OTB make up new stories about ZA rugby every month.

[@eoinmiller5620]

​@rossgalvin if anyone doesn't sniff all the SA farts they're seen as arrogant. They literally don't know what the word means

[@rossgalvin]

@@powerbite92 and?

[@PB22559]

I haven't heard one Irish pundit back Ireland to win the series. The Irish players haven't been in good form with their clubs and they're missing 3 or 4 key players. Ireland need a fully fit side to be able to compete/win down in SA. I think we'll see SA winning fairly comfortably by 10+ pts

[@RUGGARUGBY]

20:35 wow! tell me you havent watched Chasing the Sun 2 without telling me you haven't watched Chasing the Sun 2. Apart from that, the french in the second half struggled against SA and in the last dying minutes of the game theu were out of tricks, Springboks knocking them backwards. I dont think that comes with luck, and if it does, SA certainly made their own LUCK with that win.

[@jacksonn7944]

If we were so "lucky" How lucky were they that we missed 4 shots @ goal in the Ireland game?

[@user-rogue500]

Boys learn some respect, 2 genius comment, Erasumus has been running our excellence program from before the current crop where school boys. Their progress have been consistently monitored for more then a decade by the same coach you deride. Our players do not materialise from thin air.

[@corneldejongh]

Irish media insufferable!!! 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Don’t listen and you will not suffer.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Why do you seek it out then?

[@kraaidievoel]

We listen to ALL rugby shows...

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@kraaidievoel fine

[@celticfc1916]

@@corneldejongh Why do South Africans swarm to Irish media and then cry to what they hear? Not very wise to consistently do this time and time again. It's like they are looking to be offended. .

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

lol. lay off the Guinness lads. Boks to win series 2-0

[@celticfc1916]

Lay of the fairytale fella in the sky and have a Guinness

[@calitza]

2 world cups and a BILs series. I have yet to see the evidence 😂😂

[@markcourtney6113]

Here is an example of genius, in my humble opinion... combatting the length of France's kicking game (forcing France to consider kicking shorter) and in so doing combat the "Du Pont" law which allows French forwards to stand still and rest by... calling a scrum from a f#%$ing mark! Don't get it messed up, that had very little to do with a specific idea to assert dominance in scrums (granted it helps to be confident you can be dominant), the intent was to make the French forwards have to run to the SA 22m and push hard in the scrum and then run back after SA won the penalty which either tires out the French forwards or causes France to want to kick shorter (to stay out the 22m), giving SA a territorial advantage. And if you have any concern if the tactic worked go watch the last few phases from that game. French forwards getting passed the ball and standing still. Even Du Pont looked completely poked from a fitness point of view.

[@anotherstormer]

As a South African and passionate Bok supporter it matters to me that we beat Ireland 2-0 (with room to spare if possible). Its a badge of honour in a sense isn't it? I want the Bokke to beat Ireland as much as I would NZ and England. See it as just one more indicator of where this Irish rugby side is at IE right in it with the best if not the actual best which is where every SAn rugby supporter wants our boys to be.

[@GysbertDewet]

The Irish Era end this cycle. They just don’t have the depth. They will always be in the run for the Top 5 teams in the world . But they start dropping in performance

[@71bootneck]

They need to get a hiding on scoreboard and physically. They must get on. That Aer Lingus charter flight gona be more like a casevac than a schedule flight 😂😂😂😂

[@ashleigh3021]

Summer tests are irrelevant. If Ireland win, it was just because SA were preparing, trying a new team etc. while if SA win they’re the best in the world.

[@71bootneck]

@@ashleigh3021 is that the same when Ireland only win in Dublin on EOYT over last decade when Bok players have one foot on the plane ? If those cancel eachother out. Then the only level playing field is the RWC and that’s 4-0 to South Africa. 🤣

[@roryeliot5361]

This guy claims that he hasn't seen the genius of Rassie?? Well here's a little something for you to consider. In 2017 when he took over, the Boks were ranked 8th in the world and were in disarray. Since then we've won the last 2 World cups, a Lions series and SA culture and talent depth hasn't looked better. Put that in your leprechaun pipe and smoke it boet!

[@itachitsukuyomidcuo9853]

Calm down on the lepechaun shite. Look at the comments, it's an Irish outlet yet most Irish people are agreeing with the SA commentor's. Our media can't help themselves, they embarrass us in fact, but that's hardly a reason to get racist over a rugby opinion, tho racism is in the SA DNA about as much as rugby is from what I hear

[@patrickbrennan911]

@@itachitsukuyomidcuo9853That’s why so many of them move to Israel 😂

[@itachitsukuyomidcuo9853]

@@patrickbrennan911 LMAO

[@Pand896]

Nothing Racist in the Facts he just made,you just cannot handle the TRUTH

[@patrickbrennan911]

@@Pand896 you mean we are leprechauns?

[@Kaytlin_]

South Africans definitely see Ireland as the new kid on the block, its not just SA or NZ anymore. And this is super exciting for us! Ireland its time for you to also create your legacy like the Springboks and All Blacks have done. ☺️

[@edlanjacobs5491]

Great for world rugby.

[@fifieevergreen]

its more of you Irish rugby to be fair, you talk down SA, so we wanna beat you so that we can move on go back and focus to NZL,

[@petes9524]

This guy is hilarious. The first talk Saffas ever heard about Rassie being a genius was from Irish administrators, players and fans from his contribution to Leinster. Then too, he forgets that the Boks were in the doldrums at 8th ranked, lowest point in their long history, when Rassie took over and, within months,won the Boks' 3rd RWC. Lastly, it's more giggles at the way he kinda lays the groundwork for an Irish series loss, making it sound, like not too bad a thing, just a tour to a country with an isolated, glitzy high rise shopping mall somewhere.😂

[@FR-je9bw]

Trust me. Rassie never got near a progressive side like Leinster and never will. Nienaber has done untold damage in 9 months, please take him back

[@burncarlow]

Rassie didn't coach leinster

[@petes9524]

@@burncarlow yes, I corrected my mistake. Munster players, administrators and players are the people who call him a genius. Along with thousands of rugby fans around the world.😉

[@petes9524]

Correction Munster. Sorry we Africans think all Irish look alike.😉

[@FR-je9bw]

@petes9524 Leinster are the better looking ones with the cavalier care-free arritude and a penchant for three-quarter play. Think Stormers. Munster are the neanderthal, regressive, paranoid lot who are better when they are bitter. Think Bulls

[@rodwellchigome7567]

South Africans, lets leave these platforms. Not the fans, but the Irish punditry have become meek now. They were boisterous prior to the WC. No WC, no semi finals in WC, no Champions Cup, no URC, no Johnny Sexton. These guys have gone far too quiet now to make the banter any fun. South Africans, we move on to our French and Kiwi counterparts. Now they talking about us having to beat them in Ireland...just about nothinf left to hold on. Job done haha.

[@mamoersebaas2654]

Sa and nz feel the same about Ireland.Look at the world cup nz felt the irish disrespected them .treating their captain like crap ....bring it on ..we waiting for you

[@etiennedutoit6514]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGao2qkoM-IpMk

[@saiyandemonisher]

Jip and Ireland banking on the fact that they beat NZ in NZ so beating the Boks should not be to hard.

[@71bootneck]

I actually think that on field banter is fine. Quite funny. But their media a disgrace.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Rassey naming the Irish team does not make him a “mastermind”, I would say the team is pretty easy to fathom, we do not have 4 or 5 players to pick for each position. Do the math!

[@warrenfourie7875]

Remember When the Irish commentators LOST there marbles over the 7/1 split at the world cup, saying it was dangerous and against the spirit of rugby. So Rassie is adding a little spice.

[@powerbite92]

that was Matt Williams, an aussie who is more famous for hating on Scotland than ZA, also famous for spouting complete nonsense..

[@eoinmiller5620]

One...one Aussie pundit said that. All the others said "bring it on". Stop creating silly narratives

[@Tomk79rhby]

​@eoinmiller5620 I agree with you in principal. Not many had an issue with it. But it wasn't just Matt. Keith Wood took issue with the tactic saying it was dangerous. As did Owen Doyle in an article in the Irish Times. Feels like the whole thing was sensationalised in the media though

[@PB22559]

Wrong. That was an Aussie pundit who works in Ireland. I didn't hear any Irish pundit complain about the 7/1 split, in fact, most of them thought it made the whole game more exciting.

[@eoinmiller5620]

@@Tomk79rhby yeah and Bernard jackman among others all said "yeah I love it", which gets ignored because it doesn't suit the narrative SA fans like creating in their own brains. It's cherry picking nonsense to maintain a sense of victim hood. "Woe is me, the world is against us"

[@hannesbornman1045]

😂 I think the Irish team HAD something there. Its gone now. This series will be the end of this 'rivalry'

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

@@hannesbornman1045 Ireland have enjoyed a couple years in the sun. It’s all fading now. They’re quickly regressing back to their old 3nd tier rugby nation status.

[@kellylee1499]

New Zealand here… you guys- the Irish media don’t do your team any favours. You play decent rugby for a few years and you don’t stop bragging about how good you are, about how the ABs have lost their aura etc. Try playing the humble card. The All Blacks and Springboks have been at or near the top for over 100 years, hence the respect they have for one another. Oh and side note… The Irish had a bad quarter final because the ABs didn’t allow them to play their usual game and they only beat the springboks because they didn’t have a goal kicker.

[@cateym]

Again. Media NOT the team.

[@satoffee]

On Rassie & Jacques, "Those 2 genius's haven't done anything". Only 2 World Cups & a Lions series, otherwise nothing else.... 😂

[@Camcolito]

Do more South Africans watch Irish rugby podcasts than Irish? Certainly seems so.

[@Pand896]

We are true Rugby fans

[@cateym]

Seems that way. The irony! Inflating this podcast's numbers 😂

[@Xandermcdonald]

Being the South African Coach is called "having the poisned chalice", it is the hardest international coaching job in the world. WIth balancing the politics, with fan expectations and making the players believe and work together. My guy, Rassie is the first coach that has managed to navigate this team with any amount of success. The government has had a go at him because there was supposed to be 60 percent non- white players and they only managerd 54 percent. Before Rassie took over, we were 6th or even lower in the world, eating 50 agains NZ and losing to teams like Italy. Rassie turned that teams around in the mos profound way. go check the 39-3 loss vs Ireland, and how many of those players were actually in the WC squads in 2019. "Rassie is not a genius coach, no evidence for that". My god man. Just some stuff to consider . In his first stint at coaching, he led his side to Semi-Finals of the Cup, only to lose to the Blue Bulls 23-20. In 2005, he made the step up to Currie Cup, leading the Free State to glory during the 2005 season. It was the Cheetahs first Cup title since 1976. A team with the lesser resources than the pther bif team.

[@ianjacobs2998]

@@Xandermcdonald Well said👍👍👍👍

[@yeayou1221]

I've noticed when the Irish media are feeling confident they talk a massive game and build it up to be really important to win and then when they lack a little confidence they really try and downplay the game and its importance. The Actual Irish team know if they can get a win in SA that they will put the rest of the Rugby world on Notice.

[@mnothokhuluse1853]

It’s easy to win against the Boks when you’re playing every match in your own stadiums infront of your own people. This weekend will be very different 🍿

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Easy?? Oh, interesting.

[@ashleigh3021]

Hopefully the electricity stays on

[@ShaunTerblanche-ey4rt]

As a South African I can tell you we have massive respect for Ireland and expect a tough 2 matches.We can't wait for kick off on Sat.Its going to be epic.

[@cateym]

That respect isn't coming across. That video???

[@pholanbasson8613]

Lol best resources of any coach world wide lol shows how ignorant and little they know about the political impact on our sports! "Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie"

[@thehighlander959]

Glasgow Warriors did it at Loftus Versfeld recently against the Bulls. You have to match the Saffers physically AND mentally which is vital. In this game make sure you take the points...

[@KlipDriftCoke]

This is the Springboks though and NOT the Bulls. Ireland are probably going to be discipled this time round the way it looks my friend.

[@timslade5808]

Luke keeps going back to the World Cup where SA chose to start Libbok over Pollard. Pollard played almost 0 rugby over the that season through injury and wasn’t fit for the group stages. It would have been a huge gamble to start him so he really needs to let that go. This is from an Ireland fan

[@renierswart5878]

"a few very weird tries against France". Im confused as to how any of the springbok tries against France were lucky or weird :? This is the equivalent of us saying "ireland got very lucky in the 2021 - 2023 cycle".

[@timbaker4253]

Ireland have no business winning a test match in SA. Their recent impressive stats against SA are a result of always playing SA at home (bar one neutral game in the rwc). It’s time for SA to even the score with a 2:0 series win in SA.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Who cares where games were played? SA lost, that's how it reads. Oh, now they're at home and intend winning? 😂

[@iainhirons9909]

Quite right….Springboks are going to sort the Irish out this time…….

[@tiaan8551]

The one in france was basically home lol, Irish people are very rich they could splurge on going to france

[@iainhirons9909]

@@tiaan8551 they are very very very rich…you are right…..most of them spend all their time in the pub when it’s raining……..or they spend their money on umbrellas……..and the rest of the time is spent watering their gardens…..and gossiping about how they coulda won the World Cup…….spend spend spend

[@eoinmiller5620]

@@iainhirons9909 lol stay poor

[@MikeSmuts]

We (South Africa) are just beginning our international season and may be a bit rusty. The Wales game was a chance to give some new guys a run and it turned out quite well. Ireland is no joke. I don't think any of us are expecting a walk-over. Hopefully we'll see some good rugby ...and win 😉🤞🏻

[@etienneholmes5556]

"What's in your head, in your head? Rassie, Rassie, ras-s-s-s-iieeee..."🏆🏆

[@cateym]

🤡🤡🤡

[@matthewkayser4162]

The disrespect South Africa might feel is certainly coming from the irish media and northern hemisphere media talking about the "best team in the world" in Ireland even after SA won the world cup... I remember conversations about Ireland being the best team in the 6 nations earlier this year and every south african thought "hold up, who holds the world cup". I think its hilarious how your tune, and the tune of the media switches up before this test series considering how the media couldnt shut up about how great this irish team is. We're simply saying we're back to back champs and we deserve respect for our achievements. Yes you guys have gotten the better of us recently but we showed up when it mattered most, unlike your team. If you want to be the best in the world, you gotta step up when it matters most. This is what South Africa demands. So step up, say its going to be tough this series and say you're going there to win the series. All i hear are excuses from you all.

[@celticfc1916]

LOL when you think you can beat South Africa you disrespect them, when you think you will lose to them , you disrespect them. The grudge is disturbing. We get it ye are a great rugby nation but your fans are very sensitive behind all the bravado. We all know it stems from little Ireland beating rugby powerhouses like NZ and South Africa far too often. It's not ment to be the norm now the last years ye flood Irish sites crying the victim. Bad winners and terrible losers. Be happy, ye are back to back champions ffs

[@cateym]

Again, this is media. I listened to the opening minutes of a SA rugby podcast that was very disrespectful to Ire but I didn't feel the need to whinge and cry about it because they are NOT the SA team. I can differentiate between team and media. SA team and fans evidently cannot.

[@matthewkayser4162]

@celticfc1916 no, the beef/grudge stems from the Irish comments about being the best in the world AFTER being knocked out in the quarters (again) and all of a sudden back tracking on those comments in a test week. Simple. If you say you're the best, then say it with your chest right now. It's got nothing to do with "Little Ireland" beating powerhouses like sa and new zealand. It's got everything to do with you guys jerking eachother off about how good you are when there is no pressure and then all of a sudden you find your humility when you start to feel the heat.

[@celticfc1916]

What nonsense. No pressure in a World Cup where we are Number 1 ranked but pressure in a test series playing the number 1 ranked team away . I find you hilarious.

[@matthewkayser4162]

@cateym I'm not saying you're wrong tbh. We do get riled up easily as a nation simply because we have the backs to the wall mentality. In SA rugby, if you challenge us and do all this talking then you have to back it up. You don't spend all that time post world cup talking about still being the best team and then change your tune in the immediate lead up to a test week. Again, it's easy to get pretty angry and loud on the internet... but if you come down to SA you'll know that there's banter off the field but it's always respectful and on the field it's war. So ja, those of you coming down south I hope you enjoy your stay but on the field it's setting the record straight. World champs for a reason boys.

[@worldchampions4379]

Anything can happen…but the team that Rassie selected shows that his taking this very seriously, normally he’ll experiment this early in a cycle. But with 20 World Cup winners in the team there’s seems to be no room for chocking

[@Steph-we8jg]

Yeah bad day out against an AB team that made 0 handling errors and despite discipline problems that meant they were 14 on 15 for 20 mins still managed to bundle the no 1 team out of a WC 1/4 final AGAIN . Your scrum got found out . Your ageing ten played too many minutes your lineout creaked all tournament. It's a little sad that 8 months after the event you still can't bring yourself to say - We were beaten by the better team. Kinda Eben's point I guess 😅

[@johnwagenhauser9835]

Long since I've seen so many compliments and insults in one program 😂. Loved it! Rassie is definitely in your heads. Looking forward to a competitive game of rugby and nothing cynical. Goodluck to Ireland. If you don't get a win you'll definitely get a tan!

[@nicolaaspretorius6258]

Its the Irish way really, back handed compliments is how they make sense of themselves!

[@rvlng7265]

knew i couldn’t take him seriously when he started claiming sandton was like dubai in south africa 🥴

[@CptRumcan]

80% if comments from South Africans, the bulls humbled the Irish a few weeks ago 😂😂😂

[@russellfulton6861]

I don’t get it with Baird, all the talk about him and all I ever see is him making a break getting isolated and losing the ball or doing something stupid. Same thing with Larmour stepping into trouble never actually gets away

[@Ciaranmch]

Man you have to scroll along way down to see any Irish comments. The Saffas are getting up for this big time! It slightly bemuses mez back to back world cups and you seem to care way more than the Irish fans

[@patrickbrennan911]

Ruaidhri O'Connor was on the same plane as me. I hope he got his luggage! I’m married to a South African and I can.l tell you that they are convinced that the Irish media are constantly demanding that we are the best team in the world. Where they get it from is beyond me. I guarantee you the only thing that they will take from this podcast is the insult that Luke Fitzgerald made (and that’s how they’ll see it) about Rassie.

[@jonny8930]

Just take a look at the comments on this video, you’re the only Irish person I’ve seen!

[@patrickbrennan911]

@@jonny8930 in their heads? I guess that’s respect, in an odd way. You would not have seen this 15 years ago!

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

No evidence??? That is mental. Comments like that is what is driving the Saffers.

[@cateym]

But these comments are NOT being made by the Irish rugby team themselves!!!

[@Jan-zh6wn]

Look forward to watching these two after the tour.

[@aaronreid116]

South Africa are massive favourites for these games so no pressure on Ireland

[@nepiahemopo1702]

In fact SA have more to lose, that being the case.

[@tiaan8551]

​@nepiahemopo1702 the 2 back to back WC's and B and I lions trophys stay

[@MoerseBokbaas1]

@@aaronreid116like that's gonna help you on Saturday. THIS IS IN our own turf .this is not in Europe. We can't wait ..it's on

[@aaronreid116]

@MoerseBokbaas1 wow! ..we really ARE in your heads!💪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@MoerseBokbaas1]

@@aaronreid116 Who a serious quarter finalst always winning the group world cup .You need to tie my shoe laces everyday .A truly wannabee who's living in his own reality..can't wait we coming for you allday Boet ..

[@uSbusiso_]

2:44 we wanna win but not that bad not like that. come on...

[@jonnywalker5361]

The hate from SA fans is a bit shocking to be honest. So petty and unnecessary. You’ve won the World Cup four times, you’re number one team in the world everyone knows it. These “we’ll sort these Irish out” comments make them look so insecure. Calm down. When NZ were top at least they had a bit of class about it.

[@justinnell1957]

Think most South Africans like the Irish team and fans just not that keen on the Irish media - also we have won the World Cup 4 times😂

[@izakcelliers7307]

ur just wrong...disrespect from the Irish...

[@MoerseBokbaas1]

It's the way the Irish media Disrespecting us .Not even nz in all of their history against us have Disrespected our nation like this .taken in mind that nz have most times on top of us .The pure Disrespect shown to our nation that's what annoying our ex players ,current players and fans .it's personal

[@jonnywalker5361]

@@MoerseBokbaas1 what are you talking about!? Some pundits say a few things you don’t like and it’s like this crusade against the Irish. How thin is your skin? Every Irish pundit has said that SA have won the World Cup for a reason and are number 1 for a reason. Every pundit talks shite to sell things but such an over reaction from SA fans.

[@MoerseBokbaas1]

@@jonnywalker5361 dude it's just light hearted banter .something to escape to from everyday life .IF the Irish W which I know will never happen.ill congratulate them .for now Ireland is public enemy no1.our rugby need a Y to prosper and Ireland have given us that narrative to be align .come sat Ireland will be eaten alive

[@ashleigh3021]

Do they even have enough electricity to hold these tests?

[@SherryTakhalo505]

Girl you've made this comment a few times now... what are you trying to imply? Obviously we have enough electricity to host otherwise we would not host. Stop embarrassing yourself.

[@joost1974]

Honestly, as a saffer, South Africa has all the advantage for this game. The psychology and hype is fine but if they're surveiling the Irish team too then I'm about ready to root for Irish for this series

[@RUGGARUGBY]

38:46 as for Ryan being the best athlete of both packs 😅😅😅😅😅

[@neilmacewan8706]

Just because the Irish media has not said anything in a while does not mean that the South Africans have forgotten. But don’t say anything. Saturday will be a day of reckoning. And then there is the following week. And after that theBoks will be in a good place going into the rugby championship. Thank you Ireland for the prep.

[@Deef-]

The media is taking Etsabeth and De Allende out of context. They are quote mining their casual chats on podcast for rage click. Just be honest for once.

[@hlangaful]

This chop still believes Rassi isn't a world-class coach. He said the same thing right after the World Cup. There are issues in this country that he will never get. People, this is the extra bit of fight...little bit more spice. Keep on chatting chap...keep feeding the fire 🔥 🔥 🔥 It's gets the people going😂. I'm so keen for this game.

[@KlipDriftCoke]

I grew up in northern JHB and went to school in Hyde Park which is very close to Sandton so I'm happy to accommodate the Irish media/fans in Sandton but it is not going to be the same vibe up in Pretoria to be honest as JHB and PTA are slightly different due to my Afrikaans people being more prevalent further up the N1 highway. I really hope that the Irish stand their ground on our home ground but make no mistake, SA in SA is not going to be like our last WC clash so I sincerely hope the Irish are up for this challenge cos Rassie looks very confident since I saw him recently and the team we have are motivated to keep our world ranking solid against a powerful Irish unit which has kept high world rankings despite never going past the QF stages on the biggest RWC platform. I appreciate the Irish people in my country that I've met so far and hope that this contest isn't a one-sided affair cos of the altitude of the Gauteng Province since this isn't a Bulls team but a Springbok super group with revenge in their mindset facing a decent Irish squad.

[@pdewaal100]

Loved this guys. Thanks. RO’s articulate insight is impressive as always. LF has unsettled school fees.

[@nickeybotha2155]

His opinion about lucky breaks and weird tries against France. Says it all really.

[@DataDuncan]

JGP, Sexton and Keenan. That is all I have to say.

[@supernovanad8181]

The comments about ‘definitely the best team in the world’ following the six nations by Ireland and the northern hemisphere, a mere handful of months after the Boks won the World Cup, have been neatly avoided in this discussion. Lest us not forget who starting this diggery context

[@neilmontgomery3470]

No Irish pundit said that.

[@Blindside_Flanker]

There's a lot of thinking going on here.

[@ZO150ZO]

we shall see - come Saturday

[@danglybit1]

Red card could have the final say

[@ThabaniTBowseHadebe0909]

Living in Ireland! Going to the RDS for Leinster has that Electric Aura about it! I would say Ireland coming on my home soil will blow the roof! There's no way we losing. We might as well give up! 2016 is a long time! That debt must be paid1 Ireland will be on their top form as a quality side! Don't count the Irish out!

[@rorygilmoreNZ]

Great banter you blokes!

[@NameStlr]

As a South African living in Europe I really love the commentary and only really disagree with the comment stating Rassie isn't a genius (but this is covered well by another comment). Here are my thoughts why this rivalry is building so well: 1) Ireland and NZ are the only teams who can beat the Boks. This might sound arrogant but as a South African fan its refreshing to have another opponent who can maybe beat us on a day we play well. This is the root cause of the hype. 2) Its not purely Irish people/media who are fuelling the rivalry but European media. There is a lot of arrogant French and British Media kicking the Boks as not the best since Ireland beat us in the pool. South Africans want to silence these arrogant critics. 3) A lot of this hype is about money. The South African Rugby unions are financially weak post the pandemic and now have to compete with the European clubs for players in the same tournament they participate in. Just look at how many South African players play for Ireland club teams. Its important for South African Rugby to show they can get crazy viewership numbers. This well help with the value of the overall TV rights and the size of their share which can be demanded.

[@patrickchilds2987]

His opinion on Rassie not being a genius is as valid as yours. So you don't agree, so what ? Yes Ireland and New Zealand probably have the greatest chance of beating the Boks , but we learnt last year any team can turn over another. The hype between Ireland and the Boks is because Boks won a second rwc despite not having beaten Ireland since 2016. The French and British media are not slagging the Boks? What are you talking about ? Boks won the rwc, that's definitive so why should they ? They are more focused on their own tourning sides . I haven't read anything critising the Boks ? The only thing I have read is some players calling other players arrogant. However if an Irish pundit or commentator where to voice a criticism about the Boks , so what . Is it arrogant if a South African pod critises the Irish . Criticising a team doesn't make anyone arrogant. I don't think the hype gor Ireland and South Africa games has anything to do with money ? What have these games have to do with competing with the European clubs or with South African players in Europe ? How does viewing figures gor these tests have any relevance to the URC or the European competitions or effect their revenue ? Honestly I don't understand what your post is about or why it's even relevant?

[@henk_iii]

Rassie living rent free in this man's balding head 😂

[@johannblignaut1966]

Lovely podcast.May the rivalry last long.Rugby and fan entertainment are the winners.🇿🇦

[@shanecollins3811]

People forget 7 of last 8 games have been in Dublin in November, no wonder Ireland have such a good record. And correct Rud, the last 2 games was down to Boks 4th choice and 2nd choice 10s missing heaps of kicks and Ireland kicking 100%

[@theoclarke5510]

I will never write off an Éire team, even in SA.... Our boys will definitely not do that... Saffa here

[@krynnC]

Exciting times in Rugby Union , more rivalries is great for the game, let’s GO … let’s the Guinness and “ Klippies en Cola” flow 🍻

[@izakcelliers7307]

o gees ..stop wining already...!!!!!

[@rassienortier5096]

Lucky with some tries against French, no way. The Boks have big respect for Irish, that's why there is such a big hype. Rassie and his coach staff is excellent, you can have all the best players ever, but you need a excellent coaching staff as well to make things happen.

[@darrylearnshaw7102]

Ireland has had the edge over South Africa, this is true. HOWEVER remember the last time you played SA in SA was 8 years ago, so the last 8 years, world cup apart, have been home games! for Ireland......

[@matthewlee4193]

Rassie Rassie Rassie

[@JohnMichaels-fs7bi]

Let hope Andrew Porter is a real man on Saturday and not try pull the scrum down like he been doing for the last three years.🤔

[@FR-je9bw]

Is Etzaberh a bit slow or was he concussed after JLo ragdolled him?

[@njabulov.hadebe9102]

May the best team win on Saturday😊

[@user-gp1eh3yb2w]

Coming from a Boks fan, one thing for absolute certain is that our fans and the Boks themselves have the utmost respect for this Irish team. Both sets of fans are looking forward to what will undoubtedly be an incredible test on Saturday 👌

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Based on the comments' I'm really sensing the love SA fans have for Ireland. Hopefully our fans don't get stabbed.

[@dn822]

I'm a South African and I don't respect them. Don't like them. Tweegat

[@seans6042]

Looks like this is going to be an epic test. Boks are definitely favorites though

[@SaintArcane]

Good luck Ireland, really looking forward to the match. It'll be rough without JGB and Sexton but cometh the hour cometh the man, I hope your new 9-10 pairing plays a good game. Everyone's excitement maybe comes off as a bit hostile, but it's just a rivalry, don't take it too personal, we are equally silly with local derbies as well.

[@redhowell7856]

@ 47:09 and following. As a Saffa, good points Mate. I hear you.

[@ianjacobs2998]

Almost,almost ..but = Trophies 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 😊😊😊😊

[@willempretorius6700]

So a leprechaun farted one day back in 2018 and the Springboks woke up World champions. Rassie had nothing to do with it. In fact, he almost cocked it up. Sorry, just something personal I had to get off my chest.

[@wezvandez]

Luke Fitzgerald is a proper sour poes.

[@ianjacobs2998]

@@willempretorius6700 ?????🤐

[@izakcelliers7307]

from 8th in the world to world Champs....wake up pos

[@uSbusiso_]

😂😂😂 21:04 maybe it's the addition of a saffa (cj) wallabie and a couple of kiwis

[@eoinh3816]

Coming from a country who’s best players have taken juice before they turn professional.

[@uSbusiso_]

@@eoinh3816 how nice would it be if the motm award actually goes to a Irishman 😂😂😂

[@iainhirons9909]

@@eoinh3816 droewors juice is hard to get…..but available to those in the know………jup……every South African kid has probably had a little droewors juice in their time

[@SlgGaming5]

And 3 days later Springboks 1 - 0 Ireland lets go !! Boks

[@cornelcarelse7613]

We also run on empty when we play in November...chin up lads

[@CC-om8ze]

Interesting 🧐 talk. Good luck.

[@garyburger6319]

O'Connor has got it completely right, I think he understands SA a bit better.

[@ntsikeleloemma5663]

Wonder how this small boy feels now😂

[@jmskippy]

That oke on the right is clearly annoyed by Rassie 😂

[@IrishInsomniac76]

Disappointed RTE or Virgin arent broadcasting the game