KEITH WOOD: 'I don't know that the 7-1 split is necessarily fair'

[@Gazelligator]

Ireland fan here. Not fair? Because SA are using their strengths? Such rubbish.

[@howeswar]

Agreed 👍

[@oraclearl_fx]

Thankyou

[@tonysa2337]

The Woods argument is akin to SA pundits saying it is not fair that a player should be aloud to play in 4 World Cups because it deprives young players of opportunities to play. That would ofcourse be transparent BS aimed at weakening Ireland by excluding Sexton from selection. The Woods argument is no less farcical.

[@oraclearl_fx]

@@tonysa2337 well whoever those pundits are, then made a real stupid statement, when so many of the SA squad are in their 2nd and three of them in their third worldcup already, leave Sexton to play till he's 100, he didn't select himself and his form justifies his selection...

[@IS-77]

I gree, it's nonsense.. All teams must play to their strengths, it makes the sport exciting.. It would be boring if all teams were the same.

[@anelasibhoko467]

I don't understand these people!! This is International sport, you can't be whining about the opposition playing to their strengths when you can do the exact same thing. They haven't broken any laws. Why is this even a talking point? Is it because it's South Africa?

[@christoels8110]

The only bit of "unfairness" here is the fact that other sides don't have the depth up front to match that of the Springboks. Rugby was always meant to play to your strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the opponents. I find it actually disgraceful that whenever South Africa come up with new ideas to outsmart the rest of the rugby world everyone outside of the Springboks' support echelon cry wolf. Nothing in the rules of the game prevent anyone else to follow suit. I think it is just a matter of not having enough faith in your own ability preventing other sides to follow, and the confidence (some calls it arrogance) of the Springbok brains trust and group of players. Any change to the rules would be done solely to negate the strength of the Springboks and that in my opinion is criminal.

[@moes786121]

Correct 😊

[@edrianluyt8735]

Devil's advocate here, but I would say that the game was designed for 15 players with subs to be used for injury only. It was never designed for 23 players. Having said that, it became a slippery slope when injury enforced subs became tactical subs. I'm a fan of the bomb squad, but I do think it was never the intention of the game to basically have a team of 23 players. Credit to SA, we do not really have a 15-man team anymore, but a 23-man team. I would not be mad if they revert back to the more of a 15 man format, with subs, becoming injury subs again.

[@kalaharikreef7371]

⁠@@edrianluyt8735huh? Designed for 15? That changed years ago.

[@NemTeam]

@@edrianluyt8735Every game changes, it has to evolve to keep fans engaged. If you don't bring in tactical thinking to Rugby it will slowly kill the game. The invention of Rugby itself came from doing something other than what the game was designed for. All sport changes over time, we also have the introduction of technology in sport should we stop that too? People are just whinging and whining because they can't field 2 forward packs!

[@artic6723]

agree 100%

[@tilmanvondelft7461]

What a hoot! 😂 “All shapes & sizes…” Keith, name a Tier 1 team with more small players than Boks. Small players in 23 🇮🇪: Deon, Kwagga, Faf, Manie, Jesse, KLA, Cheslin, Cobus - more than a third!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Kwagga, the seventh forward, is shorter than every single Irish backline starter, and only heavier than Mack Hansen (by 2 kg).

[@jacquesvanheerden2275]

They want to change the rules because the rest of the teams are a bunch of whiny little softies. The different styles of rugby being played make it interesting.

[@johnjames6620]

@@flipacoin3593 So messy that we now have our 4th RWC and a 50% RWC success rate that will never be equalled.

[@smithshaw1151]

Keith, you're really struggling to make a valid point dude!

[@jankelnieuwoudt9759]

If Ireland win on Saturday me thinks we won't hear Keith Wood talk about this again.

[@vahorgan]

Let's use his logic here. I think it's unfair how much money the T1 nations invest in rugby, like Ireland! Not many teams can do this. I think we should cap every country because and their clubs as it is unfair. South African has been working hard for ages conditioning their team to be able to play multiple positions and still front up the same game plan. It is innovative and should be encouraged, not changed because it plays into the strength of South Africa?

[@Alias-gy3tz]

Yes! Limit how much they are allowed to spend! How can poorer countries compete? Also stop them from using mercenaries in their teams! High time Ireland start fielding an Irish team made up of ONLY Irishman!

[@MJ31579]

Europeans talking about unfairness is rich. 😂 Sa is going through so much and this team can still win, in the rain, on European soil. Come on. They are sore losers that cant see "unfairness" if it hits them in the face.

[@smithshaw1151]

"And of course, they all reacted badly because they didn't understand sarcasm" Yeah, we're just big, strong and stupid!

[@markcrossman3356]

Yeah, how bad was that as a stereotype. Not Keith’s best two minutes.

[@tobyhart]

Keith is a hooker with a heart of gold. (PS Keith, I'm being sarcastic)

[@Karma-qt4ji]

LOL nah I thought that was funny :)

[@raymondhorn8041]

Probably the Irish Curse . And I'm not talking about the world cup one . I'm talking about the male only one.😂

[@snazzytipene2572]

It’s great when people can admit their shortcomings. Big, strong and stupid but very likeable …. Hang on. No you’re right scratch the likeable.

[@exb254]

Next, Wood is gonna say it's unfair that the Springboks have 3 World Cups and Ireland none...it's against the spirit of the game 😢😢😢😂

[@jeanm27]

Funny Af 😂😂😂

[@corneldejongh]

Always liked Mr Woods’ comments. Now I see that he is Matt Williams’ best friend. Shocking commentary. Let’s change the laws because it’s unfair that one team has an advantage based on their populace, abilities and chosen game-plan. So now let’s disadvantage that country and give an advantage to the countries we support. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Cenotaur1]

Did you even listen to his point? Part of being an adult, is listening carefully to what someone is saying, rather than getting offended and upset at something that wasn't said.

[@corneldejongh]

@@Cenotaur1 I listened very carefully to him saying that it is “unfair”. Perhaps you missed that part? What was his point otherwise?

[@exb254]

@@Cenotaur1 maybe you should give yourself that speech 😉

[@johnjames6620]

@@Cenotaur1 Give yourself that speech, I second.

[@will1964]

As an Irish supporters. Boks are totally within there right to do whatever they want . Surprised to hear Woody say it’s unfair or not right. And it shouldn’t be changed by world rugby that’s nonsense and defeatist attitude in my opinion. Luv Woody but he’s wrong this time

[@Alias-gy3tz]

He is a pathetic LOSER! Stop poaching other countries' players to play for your national team! THAT is unfair!

[@johnjames6620]

It would be a difficult thing to police any rule that sought to stop this.

[@notenoughstones3873]

Really disappointing from Keith, although not unexpected as he seems to have a chip on his shoulder with SA. For years and years he moaned about the kick chase game and now this. On substitutions, unfortunately he is so woefully ignorant on this subject that he just ends up looking silly. The most recent data and studies on the impact of substitutions on injuries indicate that overall, more subs actually reduce injuries (isn’t this good for the game?). It also indicates that it’s the speed of the players, not size, contributes to injuries so a bench full of forwards will not impact player safety. And that the highest risk of injury is when 2 fatigued players go into contact. The actual data completely contradicts his views. As for his comment on fairness to other teams with not as many “big” forwards and that SA play 10 man rugby, this is patently nonsense. Forwards have always won games, even the great NZ side from 2010-2015 won their 2 WCs on forward dominance, not the backs as many believe. Was it unfair that NZ had big strong dominant forwards during that era compared to other teams? And lastly he shows that he is just not up to speed on the game. SA, coming into the WC, had the highest running metres and tries per 80min than any other team. Does this sound like a team playing 10 man rugby?

[@Alias-gy3tz]

He is a pathetic LOSER!

[@Kransduif]

If you cant beat SA, change the rules of the game till you beat them. Thats the only way

[@alyssastone6910]

Why is there this perception that South Africa has GIGANTIC forwards? South Africa's pack weight is often lighter than their oponents. Example in the 2019 World Cup Final the starting pack weight for England was 920kgs and South Africa was 900kgs. Last time I checked Irelands pack weight was 902kgs and Scotlands 927kgs. New Zealands average backline height in the last test was nearly the same as South Africa's forwards.

[@truenorth5464]

You are right. Our forwards will crush the tall and skinny South African forwards. Get ready to see True Northern power on Saturday!

[@dn822]

Ireland's pack and backs were bigger the last time we played

[@grantcombrink9595]

I think one should question whether the weight/ height of all the players are correctly stated by management- this applies to all teams and not just SA and Ireland.

[@truenorth5464]

@Daz673 Yeah, you're mom!

[@smithshaw1151]

⁠​⁠@@truenorth5464can we have unedited comment please😮

[@Titanium351]

If it's such an issue then why didn't world rugby prevent this from happening in the first place, it was obviously leading up to this with 6:2 splits. Now that the Boks are taking advantage of what's available it's become unbearable, abuse, unsportsmanlike ect ect ect... I don't care if the rule changes after the world cup, but don't cry now when it's all perfectly legit.

[@shaheempashua6924]

Wow just wow it's not fair because they have the players do pull it off and it's within the rules I honestly never expected whining at this level from the Irish lol I now have seen it all What a shame

[@markcrossman3356]

Wow, I love Keith but his take on this is ridiculous. They have big guys therefore it’s unfair? Should there be weight limits on individual players then to balance it out? Would Lomu be allowed to play in 2023. Come on bro. Give us all a break

[@jeanm27]

Have you seen the size of the #11 from Romania? He I s a mobster compared to Cheslin and the other 4 scrumhalves who played against them, but nobody said that he is too big. Or even Nadolo

[@adnaancroeser8228]

The fact the people are debating the fairness is a absolute JOKE 😂😂. Its called being strategic and playing to your natural strength as a nation

[@cy-villian]

There's an element of Post Modernism in Keith statement. He is signalling his disdain for 'large' MEN using the Springboks as a platform.

[@bjornhoffmann6008]

Same team has Kolbe, Arendse and Faf? I know what you're getting at but they have struck a balance. I cannot imagine any other country being as innovative. If England had the all round skills to accommodate a 7:1 split the rules definitely wouldn't change if it meant they won the world cup. But any other country, of course that would be the consequence! World Rugby is in the wrong hands. It's a global game. It should evolve. It should be allowed to push boundaries of these athletes

[@fthedems7547]

Is it fair that Ireland has 8 Foreign born players in their WC squad to boost their size Boks and Argentina has zero Yes what about that?????

[@MikeSmuts]

It sounds an awful lot like a proposed rule change motivated purely to limit a South African strength... While that is problematic, I would argue that it's within the ability of most other countries, with good management to cultivate depth of competitive forwards if they chose to do so. I'm South African. We're not giants over here, we're regular people. South African rugby is just good at luring/identifying good 'stock' early and guiding them through the ranks.

[@andjammor]

By this logic we should ban Rory Mcilroy for hitting a driver because he hits it further than everyone else

[@IainHirons]

Well..he is bloody annoying….I agree,..ban him😂

[@bigpapichampagne745]

The inability of other teams to adapt and innovate cannot be put on RSA. Unfair ? Why because other teams don't have depth in their forward pack? This is just lazy thinking. Look for new exploits, target the backline be better and do better!

[@francoismarx2369]

Bunch of sour grapes, and before the game has even started.

[@E1sun]

It's within the rules period. Teams setup inorder to capitalize on their strengths . Nothing stopping other teams being a little more dynamic and inventive with the setup and lineup. Just pundits crying because it doesn't play to their feelings .

[@brenvanreenen3452]

The whole rugby community is crying foul. Again. Everytime South Africa gets innovative or good at a specific area, the world whines and WR changes the rules. This can go back to the rule change because Heinrich Brussow killed them at the break down. The World.cried foul at a 6/2 split, now teams are selecting the same. Now the same again with 7/1. Rassie being waterboy - the world whines and WR changes the rules. Post World Cup, will lights/Cones/all comms be stopped after WR because of all the whining? Imagine Gregor being the first to pick a 7/1 split, he will be hailed as genius. When you study the LAWS OF RUGBY, make sure you know them and where the loop holes are.

[@kurtsudheim825]

They're nothing wrong with it, you're allowed 8 subs, they use 8 subs. How you choose to split it is l, we'll, up to you. Unless you prove their cheating by taking stuff our something. Is it unfair, yes, only in that they have bigger players. Did Michael Phelps cheat, or usuain bolt, or shaq...

[@tilmanvondelft7461]

Ditsem!

[@peadarr]

“The whole rugby community”? You’re having a laugh mate. Even here , he qualifies his comment by saying “but it’s within the rules, so it is fair”

[@shaunbentham7361]

Last rugby world cup we were boring, now we exciting and innovative.. 😂🎉🎉

[@brenvanreenen3452]

​@@peadarryeah, its almost like saying its unfair to play a goalkicker with a 90% success rate, against a team with a goalkicker with a 63% success rate. Its in the rules, but us it fair? 😅😅😅

[@reeld99]

Ol keith defelecting his saltiness by , and this goes for every ":pundit" , saying SA forwards are huge. They the same size as every other human pack in international rugby. Its ridiculous that this is what they trundle out every time. Our backline , and Kwagga, have quite a few small gentelmen there.

[@beefrits1]

So naming 3 backline players the size of Esterhuizen / Manu Tuilagi / Josua Tuisova on the bench would be acceptable, but naming an extra forward or 2 the size of Kwagga Smith / Deon Fourie is unfair and unsafe? 9 times out 10 our forward pack is lighter than France's / England's pack on the field at any given time. What a bunch of cry babies!

[@DD-RSA]

Our team has all sizes from huge to small. Rugby is a game for all sizes and all races in SA. We dont complain about the French backs being so big and strong compared to our smaller backline

[@nepiahemopo1702]

SA not complaining?😢 An oxymoron, if ever there was one!😂😂

[@brianmurray6287]

Come on woods your making us sound like whinging poms....who cares about 7/1 split....games are won on injuries cards and dodgy ref decisions...see Wales Fiji match

[@LeMerch]

They changed the rules in football, and will in rugby when it comes to substituting.

[@clemfandango619]

Exactly, when you're whinging Micks repeating whinging aussie lingo as they whinge about their Motherland.

[@notenoughstones3873]

@@LeMerchso more substitutes then?

[@RikiLouw69]

​​@@LeMerchProbably to more subs. Rugby is different than football. More subs less injuries.

[@LeMerch]

@@notenoughstones3873 tbh I don’t know. I’m fine with 7-1 or whatever. That’s down to the team.. it’s a big risk if it goes wrong!

[@jdQuinnn]

Traditional rugby was All about forward power,set pieces,ten-man rugby.He who had the biggest forwards won.

[@annaclaytowaterson8283]

Next let’s put laws in place that stop you from playing if you can run the 100m in less than 11 sec, or are taller than 2m, how about if you weigh more than 100kg? I’ve never heard such ludicrous views regarding rugby. It’s not fair because people are using the resources they have, even though we say it’s a game for all shapes and sizes, that’s not really applicable to people of big size or shape. The best part is hearing people trying to justify why it’s not fair. Maybe they think people can’t recognise hypocrisy.

[@truenorth5464]

Just wait till we get our hands on you on Saturday. There is no escape for South Africa this time!

[@annaclaytowaterson8283]

@@truenorth5464 No escape? A team that won 3 out of 7 world cups participated in, need to escape? Don’t delude yourself.

[@truenorth5464]

@@annaclaytowaterson8283 You were lucky to escape with a 3 point loss in Dublin last November. You won't be so lucky this time! Uhahahahahaha 🤣. Ireland will put 69 points on the scoreboard this Saturday lol

[@annaclaytowaterson8283]

@@truenorth5464 Lucky? Are they going to allow another athletics relay pass to score a try?

[@theofilusbouwer3430]

​@@truenorth5464yeah boks missing almost all our kicks at goal was lucky for Ireland I agree 😅

[@Saffazimbo]

So what’s next? “It’s not fair on teams that don’t have a skilful 10”? Come on boys.

[@Jesus4farrs]

In Keith's view regarding safety, we should ban all fly halves over the age of 32. It's people like Keith who don't have an ounce of creativity that is ruining the game. Long gone are the days when you say the springboks are boring.

[@Johan10683]

Keith was such tough guy in his playing days. When did he become such a cry baby? Next thing he will want lo limit the size of players. Come on Keith, please just stop your whining.

[@jms9105]

Here's some history. The West Indies cricket bowling attack, in the late 1970s through the 1980s had the most fearsome fast-bowling line-ups ever seen...including legendary bowlers Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. When the West Indies toured England, in the late 1970s and 1980s, there was controversy and public debate concerning their "aggressive" fast-bowling style. This mainly revolved around the tactic of "bodyline". This bowling was considered intimidating but it was highly effective. It was not only the speed but also the accuracy that unsettled batsmen, making the West Indies attack incredibly hard to face. The debate reached a point where cricket authorities considered whether such bowling style should be outlawed. The West Indies were not the only team employing short-pitched bowling; they were simply the most effective at it. Yes - guidelines were put in place to protect batsmen such as bouncers aimed at the head. But the point is that the West Indies' fast-bowling legacy was incorporated into cricket worldwide, and fast and aggressive bowling remains a vital part of the sport. Teams like England, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa have since also produced fast bowlers who have used these tactics effectively. The West Indies set a benchmark that others went on to emulate, contributing to the development of fast bowling. Now - when it comes to rugby - we are seeing a similar evolution. Those who compianed about the West Indies bowling attach were judged by History as whingers. Come on guys. This is rugby.

[@IainHirons]

They toured South Africa in 1983.. or 4…. Was so great to go to the old Newlands cricket ground and sit under the old oak trees,which have gone,and sit on wooden fold down seats…..I remember sylvester Clarke…great bowler….

[@walterstevens8676]

To translate: "It's unfair to include Kwagga Smith on the bench. We'd feel better about Willie le Roux who is about the same size. Or even Esterhuizen who is much bigger. Because they're backs.". What nonsense. I'd always rated Wood as a thoughtful commentator.

[@Ireland1]

Keith Wood absolutely waffling.

[@glitch113]

Massive respect for Keith the player. Very little respect for Keith the pundit.

[@Jim_Cpe]

How do you change the rule? You could have a 5 - 3 split but name 2 forwards as backs and when they run on the field, that play 6,7,or 8. Unless you then want to say that only players identified as forwards or backs before the game can actually play in either group while on the field. But then, what if there are injuries beyond those numbers? Are we going to move to uncontested scrums because there are no "specialist" flanks left? It is fair already, RIGHT NOW, because any team can do it. Ireland could do it now if they wanted. But they won't because they haven't prepared that way. BTW a 7-1 split is a MASSIVE risk the Boks are taking. That in of itself makes it fair.

[@mickser101]

Nothing wrong with 7-1 split. If it works and boks win Nienebar and Erasmus are genius. If Ireland win and boks get multiple injuries in backline then it's the dumbest move ever

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

you could say rassie is protecting his players from injury up front by having a 7-1 split. meaning that 7 forwards would only have to play 50 to 60 min. then get replaced. Preventing injuries from being fatigued. I believe that was mentioned by them before. So it actually makes it safer for his players. Since there is more contact up front, this makes alot of sense.

[@Nazieg]

Springboks have tiny wings. Should that also be stopped?

[@kevinewert8546]

Does Keith Wood realise that SA have opted to play their smallest forwards on the bench, Fourie, Van Staden, and Kwagga, while leaving Duane "the Man-Mountain" Vermeulen out the 23 altogether? That says to me that they are more interested in bringing a pack of fetchers onto the field in the last quarter, rather than simply opting for the pure power game that everyone expects (after all, that could be delivered with a 5-3 split).

[@StaalBurgher0]

One of the major reasons the upcoming IRE vs SA game is so anticipated is because of the contrasting styles. What an incredibly bad take by Wood. And as others have already commentated, the data shows that subs reduce injuries. If SA loses it will be instructive to see how this becomes a non issue again. And it IS a major risk.

[@battievandermerwe9121]

Maybe the Bok's management will reconsider if the Irish agree to Sexton not saying a word to the referee..... His constant harping trying to change the game by adversely influencing the officials is more unfair! Look at what happened last year.....

[@johnkent2114]

Its amazing how every single irish media piece has dozens of boks fans commenting underneath, are you people ever offline? 😅

[@Bobbydyland]

WE. ARE. LEGION.

[@johnjames6620]

Only when we watch the Boks win RWC finals!

[@herman7661]

Everybody talks about the "huge South African forwards". From what I've seen, the SA scrum is not significantly heavier than that of the other countries, or am I wrong?

[@glenfichardt3930]

What a joke. Maybe Mr Woods also wants all backs who can run fast to not be allowed to play as that’s unfair to the teams with slow players. 😂😂😂

[@patman142]

are they breaking the rules? No, end of story

[@JohnWick-nm6vo]

Has IRE become the new ENG? if they not careful they may become the new most hated rugby team.

[@bronwenbantock6372]

The point must be made that every single Sprinbok is a born and bred South African (one of the guys might be born in Zim but we share a border, so it’s as close as dammit). We have no imports to bolster the team. So, if we have big forwards, they are OUR big forwards. Our team strength and size is South African … and we are lucky enough to be in a position of having a lot of depth in the team. You shouldn’t begrudged because of that.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Are we allowed to complain that the man of the match in the Tonga v Ireland game was a New Zealander?

[@johnjames6620]

@@Karma-qt4ji Exactly! Its a bit much when a Scottish or Irish player speaks better Afrikaans than most South Africans. I mean, he would have understood "wyd kant" for sure!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@johnjames6620 Well my comment aged a lot better as the tournament progressed. Ireland won 4 games and therefore as often happens, four Man of the Match awards; Kiwis won three of those. In the QF against the All Blacks, six tries were awarded in total and not a single one of them was scored by an Irishman. This is a country that had 20% of their starting lineup comprising of foreign imports with no connection to the country other than financial, and a fourth player who they recruited from Australia because of his heritage, but their media had a whinge at us for taking back Jean Kleyn? Fuckem lol.

[@johnjames6620]

@@Karma-qt4ji I am with you on this completely. Jean Kleyn went to Linden Hoerskool. To my mind, it shows an inferiority complex when a team imports players. I would far rather SA lost than rely on imports. Teams like Ireland wonder why they can't progress beyond a quarter-final and it would seem that this is because so many of the players have no raw historical and cultural attachment to the country and to one another. Also, what message do imports send to aspiring rugby players in these countries when they know they could lose out on a place in the national team to a Somoan player or someone from Tonga. Evidently, Scotland has a small number of registered rugby players (I think the number is 40 000). This being the case they don't deserve to be a Tier 1 rugby nation (in the absence of strong performances from players from their own country).

[@robinpengelley2123]

We have three small forwards on the bench smaller than backline players

[@siphelele8]

What is up with this fairness argument? What does that even mean, serioulsy can anyone tell me what is so unfair about what SA are doing?

[@willempretorius6700]

WR has always been prone to except a wooden nickle when it came to change. How's that for sarcasm ( and pun) from a South African. I find the outrage and hysterics after a Rassie has been pulled, just as entertaining.

[@doppies2000]

I used to respect Keith Wood. he totally destroyed his own Reputation with these ridiculous Comments !

[@jeanm27]

As you said, It is within the law. Which means if it is changed it is only to stop the better team from winning. An example is when the Road speed is 100km/h and your little vespa can only manage to eet to 60km/h, but you want the laws to change for the car who utilises the full 100km/h legal limit... Which is within the legal law.

[@Bobbydyland]

Well, I don’t think it’s fair that Irelands are allowed to play John Sexton. It’s not fair on teams who don’t have magic geniuses in their teams.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

It certainly isn't fair that Ireland are allowed to play Aki, Lowe and Gibson- Park.

[@kobusduplooy9202]

A Team Playing against 14 or 13 Players due to the Rules of Yellow and Red Cards are a Higher Risk for the Game , Why did the Northern Hemisphere Rugby Pundits Never Mension it , Cause they Uesed It to Manipulate SA and NZ , Countries which Rugby is Their Number One Sport. SA and NZ should be in Charge of the IRB and the Commitee Who makes the Laws and Regulations , Rugby is the Number One Sport in these Two Countries , Kids start to play from 4 years old the Game , now a buch of second and third stringers determine the rules , just to Assist them to be competetive what a shame ??? It's these kind off behavior that makes Sponsers and Spectators not wanting to Support the Sport , they make a Mockery out of the game.

[@75fiftyCo]

😂😂😂😂I love the Springboks and what their 7-1 split is doing to the rugby world 😅😅😅😅

[@gihanilangakoon]

Keith, it's laughable to listen to your explanation. 😅

[@ettienedelange8887]

Because SA has big forwards it's is unfair to play to our strengths? If a team has fast backline willl it also be unfair if they put more backline players on the bench? If it is unsafe they can also go with 7-1.

[@squashoe]

Irish must win this game SA not so much. Quit crying about the 7-1 and focus your concerns on glass man Sexton. Your have five hard games now SA, Scotland, QF,SF and final. No more easy games. He has to play all these games and not get hurt. He can’t even play a full URC schedule… and you need him at 10. I wouldn’t want to pin my WC chances on this glass dinosaur See you in the final

[@obadiaoracle5573]

Of course it's unfair if only the springboks are allowed to do it... But then again, if you're stoopid, then you deserve to loose....

[@garyb6096]

Stop complaining! Play to your strenghts

[@Ashley-ui5rw]

"Its Unfair because they are Big and strong and we not".. Mr Wood, the secret is "Pap en Vlies" sir🤣🤣😂😂

[@fluxkapacitor8460]

South African's dont' understand sarcasm? Wow... you clearly don't have much exposure to us Keith.... This Keith Wood guy obviously knows nothing about rugby and has clearly never played at international level...

[@sci-fihorrorbookworm7274]

Adopt to the game is changing if you win good if not we allready had won the world cup final with AB a month back. Good luck good channel.

[@siyagobingca171]

These guys are calling for world rugby to change the rules to advantage certain teams and disadvantage others!

[@liammelia6843]

I don't see anything unfair in this. He's also taking a huge risk. He's two injuries away from having to play a back rower in the backliner. The best thing to do would be to reduce the size of the bench. 8 men is far too many.

[@johnjames6620]

Its not such a huge risk. Remember one of the Bok's forwards played Sevens rugby (Kwagga) so he can fill multiple positions. The reality is that with the style of play that the Boks play (forward dominance and direct) it means that the forwards play much more during a game than most of the backs (and more especially the wings). So it makes sense to sub the forwards and let most of the backs play the full game.

[@robsargent8801]

If the split was the other way around - 7 backs and 1 forward would that have been an issue too?

[@conorheaney6086]

Obviously not. What a stupid question

[@shaheempashua6924]

@@conorheaney6086 so do you see how stupid your pundits are Or do you need help

[@robsargent8801]

MY POINT EXACTLY@@conorheaney6086

[@LockedDownSpectator]

This is all disingenuous. Ireland is on a historic and very promising run considering what awaits them at the end of this journey. This is the last thing those in their media should be worried about. They are more than well-armed to beat the Boks on Saturday.

[@christoels8110]

"Bend" is a rather reckless term to be used considering the fact that no team for how long now could match the forward dominance of the Springboks, let alone "bend" them.

[@wildecarde1766]

Someones forgetting the 5th of November...

[@HorseyPorsey]

@@wildecarde1766 that game was in Ireland so advantage there, the game was hella close, and they fact we didn't have a proper kicker for goals was what made the difference. It going to be an incredibly hard game for both sides, can go either way in all honesty.

[@somenobody8599]

If you don't like it, beat it.

[@michaelvdunne]

Add Ben O’Keefe to the mix then this game becomes a lottery. I saw O’Keefe ref a few games he is a REAL HOMER so one wonders who will be the HOME team in his mind. There’s the nub of the matter. He makes Paddy O’Brien ( also a kiwi homer) look good.

[@nicolaaspretorius6258]

This is a classic halo effect or halo bias. Just because someone was/is good at one thing (playing rugby), does not make them naturally good at something else (punditry). Next!

[@edenmcgee8776]

Really silly comments by Woods if we went 6/2 and picked Andre Esterhysen (6’4 and 115 kgs )out weighs Kwagga. Does that mean he wants Ireland to rather compete at middleweight rugby !?

[@johnjames6620]

Furthermore, we could say Kwagga is a back on the bench but then use him as a forward when we sub. Can anyone say that Kwagga can't play wing (given his sevens experience)?

[@paulmcmenamin205]

Why don't the other teams choose 7 - 1 split. It is open for anyone as far as I know.

[@Sir2ube]

Springboks also have some of the smallest players in world rugby. Is that not fair either?

[@johnjames6620]

It is because you battle to see them, lol!

[@thabanimashego5825]

Always thought keith was levelled headed, being a former player, I expect that kind of nonsense from the host, unfair how? Is the other team not allowed to bring on their forwards? The irish media and pundits have been rather arrogant, the ones i've seen at least. Outside of the boks, i wouldn't have minded seeing ireland win, thats changed now. If we (boks) cant win it, I'd much rather france or even NZ win it.

[@ghaliebdavids3156]

Why wont it be allowed after the world cup? Worst take on it ive heard in a long time. Even worst than Matt Williams

[@aaronreid116]

SA's pack was only 895kg against Romania

[@shivmg9694]

Lol...wow rugby legend? Sound like an actual cry baby. Play to your strengths and mitigate their strategy. The goal of every sport ever.

[@pietiebeyers5237]

Sarcasm? Never heard of this! Sounds so interesting! Much love from South Africa 💚

[@lindsayjenions2795]

As I understand it from videos I've watched, the SA Springbok coach, Jacques, is going to Ireland after this RWC & there's been rumours of Rassie also going which per a video I watched he has said is not true. To me, Jacques going to Ireland indicates that their team consider him to be a superb asset... so perhaps the same 7-1 split will be tried with the Ireland team sometime. Personally, I don't see what all the drama is about this... Ireland can do the same if they want to, or any team for that matter... Respect to Ireland & their team for the coming match against our Bokke xx Go Bokke, love you xx

[@davidmartin5703]

I think the pundits might argue about the Boks playing to their strenghs and the rules, while those actually involved in running and coaching at the highest level are trying to develop their pack player resources to be able to do the same

[@BroderickMilton-dv2sp]

It's like saying a hard hitting heavyweight boxer must not use both hands...c'mon Keith stop being a baby

[@DD-RSA]

First we bringing the spectacle of rugby down by kicking the ball. Then we going 6 2 splits and that's outrageous. Now its not fair to do 7 1 split. If Ireland win then its no problem. Used to look up to Keith Wood and his balanced views. Not anymore I guess. Another of Matt Williams friend's

[@Saffazimbo]

I wonder what the thoughts of Keith Woods and Matt Williams are on the “fairness” of fixtures like Namibia playing France and NZ, or Romania playing Ireland and SA. On successive weekends.

[@Jacques_van_Wyk]

SA announced their team early, and Ireland has the right to reciprocate. If they don't, its on them.

[@South_Affy]

People are big mad cause they didn’t think of it first.

[@jms9105]

When there was a 6-2 split there was no indignation. Now it's a 7-1 split and the outrage pours in. If you didn't peep when there was a 6-2 split then it just exposes the selective outrage. This is not honest.

[@daviddempster8717]

I thought Keith Woods was such a cool guy🇿🇦but I was wrong. I know the Irish are better than that.

[@reynardlouw9068]

Wait for the 8-0 reserve bench 😁

[@moes786121]

👏 I can't wait 😂😂

[@howeswar]

Boks haven't broken any rules.

[@LeMerch]

He never said they did.

[@howeswar]

True but they say it's unfair.

[@IS-77]

Fair🙄🙄😃... well there no such thing called Fair in life.. The pundits are struggling to come to terms with the fact that an African team is Innovative and outplaying everyone and is the center of attention .. I find it disturbing that the pundits attribute Boks success to giants when the Boks actually have smaller guys like kolbe, arendse, faf, reinach, grant williams,Herchel.... Teams must just play to their strength just like the Boks do..stop complaining because team can't be the same otherwise the sport would be boring..

[@antondupreez8205]

Why is it unfair?

[@mikica473]

Why is there so many South africans commentating on Irish rugby content? Obsessed.

[@johnjames6620]

Why is an Irish station commenting so much on the Boks? Obsessed?

[@brendanpeacock4475]

The medical studies into brain damage from rugby collisions really are onto something.

[@kurtsudheim825]

Theyve got half theor best backs injured as well: am probably been the best 13 the last year or two, & pollard, who is pivotal as they don't have anyone else who can really kick for posts

[@peadarr]

I’d love to see McCarthy and Henderson on the bench with Beirne cover for the back row ( where he does play, unlike springboks covering where they CAN play). Bringing on a fresh tight 5 would go a long way to nullifying the bomb squad and with Conan out, it looks likely he’ll do it