RTÉ Rugby World Cup podcast: Springboks go back to back, and what next for Ireland?

[@neilmontgomery3470]

You have to admire South Africa. They are the kings of knockout rugby. We are lucky to have them as our friends and partners in the URC. They totally deserve our respect and perhaps we can learn from them.

[@jacqloock]

Thank you. Likewise.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Likewise from an SA POV.

[@monwabisihenisi3877]

Bernard Jackman, I said it many times. What a man, you are a true legend of the game. As South African listening to your analysis through out the world cup, phenomenal mate.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

He's one of the very best pundits out there and very fond of South African rugby.

[@corneldejongh]

@@neilmontgomery3470 100%!

[@David-h1f4r]

He is the only one worth listening to here .the bearded twat top left and his like are everywhere in Sports punditry,commentating. Ruining and polluting all Sports

[@craigemslie8426]

Ireland are a bloody great team I'm a South African supporter but what a team Ireland are

[@LB_die_Kaapie]

Jaques needs his flowers. He is the head coach. Hes worked with half the team for 17 years. Hes the defensive genius. Great coach!

[@GavinTremble]

Thanks for your correct assessment of the South African style of play... on Saturday we put 12 points on the score board within 30 minutes and then defended that score for 50 minutes... We defend with every fibre in our bodies... Pieter Steph Du Toit 28 tackles... wow!!! and the team over 200 tackles... the work rate is phenomenal... Thats how we win world cups... Viva Amabokoboko

[@Frankabagnale33]

You guys absolutely smashed! Well done 👍 - Ireland supporter

[@wesleyfoley5116]

Pieter Stef had an unreal game.

[@waynepirihi9769]

But couldn’t score tries against 14, bom squad diffused by bob squad( band of brothers),zero set piece dominance,slowing game down,time was not on ABs side, you won the game ABs won the war

[@victordastile5204]

​​@@waynepirihi9769still salty. Build a wall and get over it, chump. Four RWCs and back to back champs😂😂😂

[@mashi9]

​@@waynepirihi9769the Boks won the game and the war being the world cup. Yes, NZ played very well with 14 men, just shows what a quality side they are. But at the end of the day, for SA to defend the way they did, can you really say a lot of teams can do that, with a fired up NZ side? Give credit where it's due, just in the same way we as South Africans gave credit to Ireland when they beat us.

[@riyaadrhoda3990]

As a Saffa I must say the Irish are classy people. They are a great rugby nation and I sincerely think it's only a matter of time before they win a world cup. They certainly have the structures in place and talent to win a world cup. If SA can do it then there is no reason why Ireland cannot win it. As South Africans we have developed a lot of respect for the Irish teams now with the URC although South Africans can come hard on the Irish on social media. That is just the nature of rugby supporters in SA. Although they will always give credit to the victors afterwards. The Irish will get learn SA rugby culture as the URC becomes an intense rugby competition. Respect to the Irish.

[@pravingovender939]

They like other NH teams, no shame in using other nation players. Sad.

[@psychoanalyticthinking153]

As a SAFA agree, love the passion the Irish are Brining in -Along with the Bokke and all Blacks, one gets a real feel of the devotion to Rugby. The URC is great, i think Munster is becoming my Irish team of choice. My URC team is the Lions followed by the Stormers (my lady team) an then other SA team, then i am thinking Munster

[@riyaadrhoda3990]

@@pravingovender939 it's not as if they force any players to play for them. The players get the opportunity to play international rugby and it is a win win situation for both players and the N Hemisphere teams. Nothing to be ashamed about.

[@Wide-eye]

Ireland and Scotland have to many foreign players. Ireland also importing coaches out of incompetance and greed. Irish team and their clubs also plays the most scandalous cheating rugby on the planet !!! Two illegal tries v NZ after double banking in line-out. The 3rd cheat Jordie Barrett held the ball up in the NZ ingoal area otherwise the cheats would have been through, allowed by Wayne Barnes. Before 11 of 12 tries v Romenië illegal side entries. Ireland a disgrace to W Cup. They came to win by cheating. Many other examples before and during W Cup. Cheating mentality also proven by Barnes allowing Tadhg Furlong in from side at 1st ruck v Tonga !!!

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Yeah some of the Saffa supporters online can be a bit much but the fans you meet are always good fun and fair. It's probably best not to reply to negative comments and remember that they are a small proportion of the fans.

[@WhatTheFunK.]

We go through a lot growing up in SA, most of us have experienced the trauma of losing someone to violence and when our Boks come out and do this for us and take the W it’s an amazing uplifting feeling. I live in Ireland and hope one day you lot can experience it. 👍🏼✌🏻🇿🇦 🇮🇪

[@ArthurTrusler]

Take note of what all the boks have said. They won not because they were a team of the best players but a team of the right people to perform the job at hand

[@ziyahhavea355]

Exactly, as Kriel said post-final, it's not always the best people but it's the right people. NZ had their best players but SA had the right players to win the cup.

[@albertvanlingen7590]

Juan Kleyn was there because we lost our best lineout jumper Lood de Jager before the world cup. Incredible to think we won without Am, Lood and Marx... Also how the Boks played for territory to keep ABs out of range in the second half when Boks didn't get lineout and scrum dominance just shows tactical brilliance 🇿🇦🏆

[@shaheempashua6924]

Does anyone else think that Peter Steph should be in the team of the year?

[@GavinTremble]

World Rugby doesn't think so... 😏

[@sakabula2357]

Nah..F the dream team..Bokke.will beat them with one point

[@WhatTheFunK.]

And Kwagga smith

[@wesleyfoley5116]

Yes. Team of the year is the team that wins the wc in my opinion.

[@onlookervb]

Personally I think they should have done a team of the tournament not the year, everyone has the world cup at the forefront of their minds

[@peteralesizgorsek9292]

Thank you for your unbiased and insightful analysis and it's been a pleasure following your podcast 👏🏼👊🏼🇿🇦

[@bunnychowmuncher]

FYI Jacques Nienaber played his high school rugby for the Grey College First XV in Bloemfontein. Grey College is arguably South Africa's top rugby school both currently in 2023 and historically with incredible coaches so he comes from a very solid playing pedigree and foundation too.

[@francoiswilliams]

He played 7 th team...

[@rorysullivan4913]

​@@francoiswilliamsmost likely would have beaten other schools first teams

[@bunnychowmuncher]

@@francoiswilliams Ah ok sorry - I got him mixed up with some of the other alumni.

[@marchennink]

I'm a Springbok supporter living in the Cape Flats.... Immensely proud of our team. BUT YES! IRELAND HAVE IT! Must just harness it! Oh, and Nienaber is back in Ireland!

[@South_Affy]

209 Tackles by the Springboks was amazing. How there was no points conceded in the last 20 is mind blowing.

[@washuneluvhada7616]

Boks never scores another point after 33 mins first half... Defense

[@4Q_4Q2]

​@@washuneluvhada7616Because the Boks were so busy defending. NZ were attacking in the second half, not defending. First half was the other way round.

[@ziyahhavea355]

How the AB's didn't take those 3 points on offer with more than 20 mins left is more mind-blowing! 😢😂

[@4Q_4Q2]

@@ziyahhavea355 I think they got influenced by JK. He wanted to see running rugby and called kicking boring. I can't find any videos of him since. Hope he is ok 🤔

[@gvr6079]

As a 57 yr old South African I enjoyed your podcasts so much over this WC period. I can sit and listen to you talking about this great game of rugby for hours👏👍.

[@avermeulen004]

Love Bernard’s balanced views!

[@ianjacobs2998]

👍👍👍

[@patrickfarrell5092]

I enjoyed the game and the South African style of play, delighted to see them win. I listened to people like Ger Gilroy this morning bitchin' and moaning about it, who cares what they say, they're mostly wasters anyway. Congratulations South Africa, it was great to see your fans celebrate like that. 👏👏👏

[@mikecaroto5361]

Next year you guys have another go at us. A PROPER go. 3 tests. You guys have a brilliant side. Going to be a monster series, and I cant wait!

[@brianogai1086]

Thanks for recognizing what Boks is doing that other teams can emulate.

[@waynepirihi9769]

You mean you’ve caught up to the ABS awareness’s and strategy,ABs new how to nullify bom squad and kno one will emulate Boks however everyone will be aware of them and ABs will compete

[@nigel8484]

@waynepirihi9769 It's not the style of play that teams can emulate. It's the mentality. Resilience and most of all the defense and innovation Our defense is literally the best in the world (not perfect, but the best) I understand most of the world hates us and we don't give two flying fu@£. But give us the respect we deserve and we return the favor tenfold. The only country that has our respect is NZL hence we would never disrespect them because we love them and the rivalry. But the rest of you can keep talking like we care. Thank you!

[@heyeksay]

Don’t forget they scored 4 tries to 3 against France. I think the weather conditions played a major part in the strategy they adopted for the SF & final and it turns out to have been the right decision. Not to forget the style in which they pumped the ABs in the lead up to the RWC

[@homonaledi640]

Ireland is a great team. A spectacular team in fact. But needs pragmatism. Play to your strength. If you play great ball players like NZ, drag them to the gutters. Don't be ashamed. Be true to yourselves. I hope you you do well next time. You beat us the Springboks fair and square, for that you have my respect.

[@MikeyGuness]

As a South African, I am extremely happy we have won the world cup back-to-back, but I am also extremely sad and heart-broken. This is truly an end of an era for our current squad. From Siya being our first black captain, who reminds me of Mandela, to Faf with his long blonde hair and jack-russell-terrier-like tenacity; this team just oozies character and diversity like no other. The heart wrenching journey they have been through; fending off France, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against England, holding-off the All Blacks with shear grit; it’s like their legacy was written in the stars... Even though, their performance had been questionable, fate wouldn't allow them to lose... Life in South Africa is really tough, back in 2019 the Springboks won us over by giving us hope, but now they've just plainly made us fall in love with them. Many of them are already in their 30s and will probably not be in the next world cup squad; Jacques Nienaber is moving on, so is Felix Jones; I'm sure other staff will follow cos they've all become high commodity now, which SA's economy can't afford to compete and keep... This bio-epic has come full-circle, it is at its end and that breaks my heart... What a team, what a story!

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

38:28. C'mon Ireland. You were absolutely fantastic for so long. 1 RWC defeat against 3 time world champions and arguably the greatest sporting team in the world does not make you a bad team. You beat us in the group stages fair and square. But the RWC is a different beast and nobody is owed a victory. You have to earn it. You don't need to change anything. Keep doing what you're doing and the results will come. One off games are just a bitch and you can hold your heads high. Looking forward to watching Leinster in the URC and Champions Cup as that is one truly clinical side. All the best! 🇿🇦🇮🇪

[@gideontladi]

Thank you for having actual analysis. 😊 Note: Boks have played in 8 WCs. ABs have played in 10. Boks have won 4 from 8.

[@shaheempashua6924]

Amazingly only one try conceded in those 4 finals wins🇿🇦❤️

[@woesmevrou5673]

Says something about the quality of this All Blacks team. I am a Bok supporter for many reasons but really admire this AB team. Pool B structured the semis - would rather have seen Ireland in the semi’s, not England - not a fan of how they play.

[@vineshnaidoo9402]

@shaheem....an illegal try at that😁

[@rooftile883]

On another day or different bounce of the ball and Ireland and France are in the Final (Saffa here).

[@Spear-to7cv]

I love the Irish people and their team is absolutely admirable and a great cohesive unit

[@dirkvoltaar]

I loved the final! I found it totally gripping. The All Blacks were unreal (especially given the circumstances) and South Africa had to be incredible to win. Peter-Steph deserves all the credit, and I thought Faf was superhuman. Worthy champions! Really pleased for the players and South Africa as a rugby nation.

[@roryeliot5361]

Thanks for the great interview, gents. As a South african, tired of all the hate shown this fantastic team, you lads gave them props. Thank you for the unbiased love shown!

[@Kombo-Chapfika]

Fair play to these even-handed panelists. I think Ireland will be strong going forward, but the French will be hard to beat in 2027 with all those young players coming through having won the last 3 U20 championships.

[@karriemjabaar6931]

from SA, many thanks for celebrating our game plan. it took alot from our squad.

[@hanoitripper1809]

The final was an enthralling gripping contest which showed the Boks flexibility to adapt to all conditions and pressure. Good point about giving the Irish flexibility to play over seas and be eligible nationally, it could be a gd option

[@IsraelPharoe-ue1ly]

The Springboks plays a very much a hard grinding game which many sides can't replicate nor counter

[@edgarj4815]

Wow these guys is awesome respect to Ireland peeps for not slating our team. Thank you guys much love

[@pennydudley1146]

Thank you, thank you for your accurate & unbiased opinions, it’s been a pleasure listening during this RWC. Love every bit of the 🇮🇪, I really thought this was the year they’d break thru the hoodoo. In my naive opinion, a view none of you will address (no disrespect), but if not for JS bad sportsmanship on the field, I think Ireland could have been the team.

[@danielmalan9345]

The Boks also took pops at drop goals on 3 opportunities. That must have affected the AB's approach to exiting from their territory. I agree it was game management, forcing the opposition to exit their territory with ball in hand and taking on the defence head on.

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

Very enjoyable and sound podcast. Deon Fourie wasn't a gamble at all. He was selected because his URC stats were extremely high particularly as a jackal. But what shocked me as a Bok supporter was his pace and physicality. Coupled with the fact that he actually played hooker at the start of his career before switching to flank. In the training camps before the world cup which lasted almost 3 months, in one of the conferences he actually mentioned that he was training at hooker. But what ultimately proved key was his experience and humility which most supporters are not privy to. Rassie picked Deon as captain because he knew that the scrum would be crucial, and saw it fit that a potential weak link ought to be close to the ref, especially in a final. This was all planned.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Saw a preview of that tactic against Argentina in Buenos Aires in a warm-up. Bongi was off. No Duane or Eben in that match - obviously Siya wasn't back yet - so Deon just casually slipped into that role as skipper. Rassie and Jacques definitely don't seem to leave anything to chance. However, their greatest achievement - as Rassie said - is Rassie's brainchild, the EDP programme. It is absolutely genius. The sheer quality of the players coming out of it is insane. 25yo 2-time RWC winner Damian Willemse, Evan Roos, Cameron Hanekom, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu...to name but a few. Edit to add: I'm glad you mentioned pace. Twice this season I've seen him just tear off into space - including in the RWC SF. Broke off the back of a maul and absolutely raced towards that tryline. Never mind the fact that he can sniff an opportunity to jackal and will be the first man there like he has a magnet on the ball.

[@seamas1978]

Really enjoyed all of these episodes. Good job lads. For me Farrell has to take some blame for not using the bench enough, it's probably one of the only, if not the only, tactical errors that he made.

[@glen1482]

Crazy that he didn't so many excellent players to choose from!

[@warrenvanaswegen8565]

Ireland tour to Sa next year will be awesome

[@Mr-Litch]

Amazing when England kicked to no end they were praised to no end

[@louismuller8724]

We have a word in Afrikaans, "gedug" (with a gutteral "g") which loosely translates as toughness: mental, physical, emotional. They are certainly the hardest team, in my experience of watching rugby, to beat, ever.

[@EugeneHuman-kl1vc]

Boks hit 1st half hard with 1st 15. via rucks , defense, scrums etc. Making the opponent slow (that is why we took scrum in our 22. as there were few scrums). We tire the opponent down. Then in 2nd half the fresh Bombsquad or replacements roll in and finish the job. In Final the kicker's leg was wobbly due to him having also provide power in the scrums (as the captain was in the bin). When penalty came NZ's way, how can you kick accurate if your legs are tired and your wobbling around on the field. That's why those kicks didn't go over.

[@pock0077]

Excellent insight ! Thank you for your objective views over this tournament. Many channels can learn from it

[@craigpeel8872]

This is the best Irish Rugby analysis show around. No bias and thoroughly brilliant subject matter. The polar opposite of Off The Ball. Pure class gents, thank you.

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

39:17. Spot on bro. Ireland don't have better players beyond their RWC squad. The guys picked were some of the best and most inform players in the world. Rugby is both a technical and physical sport and you guys managed to balance the two, but come RWC, the mental game comes to the fore. Belief is not enough, you need to respect the occasion, which is what seperates the Springboks from other teams.

[@JohnMichaels-fs7bi]

As Boks fan, Ireland is a great team. They just need to work on squad depth and then they have a good chance of winning RWC2027.

[@RikiLouw69]

We love our style of play. If people don't like it, it sound like a their problem😂😂.

[@eugeneloggenberg2314]

The Boks provided the tournament with 3 of the Greatest 4 Games quite probably in the History of the WC...that being the Pool B match against the Irish...the Quarter Final against the Favorite and Home team French & the Final against their Arch Nemesis the All Blacks...the Quarter Final match between the Irish & All Blacks making up the 4th one. The Boks played against the 5th, 3rd & 4th Ranked Terms during the duration...Winning an Unprecedented 4th Title as well as Equaling the All Blacks's Back to Back record....8 WC Appearances - 4 Gold 2 Bronze & 2 Quarter Final exits...a Win Ratio of 50%...and you'll have to be a Brave man Bet against them from possibly Winning the 1st Treble in history...with Rassie at the helm + whomever to become the next coach + Enough Player Depth who will surely come through the SA Machine/Factory - it is a Definitely Possibility !

[@benjaminnivison5229]

This was by far the best review I have heard about the final and the world cup. Thank you for giving the Springboks the credit they deserve. lets not forget they scored 4 tries against France.

[@chrismia2402]

Thank you and credit to you for keeping in mind their set piece pressure was taken away in the 3rd minute, their platform for launching attacks was gone when Bongi was taken out. Make no mistake it was deliberate, ask BOD if Nz would stoop to such levels, ask John Smit, to name just two examples. We can’t judge SAs attacking game and style of play when the Kiwis deliberately took out their 3 areas of pressure and attack - all they had left was defence and kicks. If anyone is to blame for the style employed in the final - blame Frizzel. See their QF, then the game against England who got high praise for defence and kicks all tournament long - any knives out are proof of bias.

[@bryangreenway]

Great balanced view , I think Ireland should allow players to go to other leagues gain experience & allow others to come through especially in tight 5

[@dhirshg]

Anyone have a link for Jeff Wilson's and John Kirwan's comments post-final???

[@philsmuts6123]

Good question! I have searched in vain for that pair of big mouth's to stand up and admit they were wrong. Poor Mils Muliani having to be associated with such bad sports.

[@francesoconnor2309]

They didn't answer the question about Farrell not using his bench more in the tournament and didnt trust them when knock outs arrived. They went on to talk about New Zealand's bench.

[@sportrocdoc2237]

You must remember the loss of Bongi cost them dominance in the scrum and parity in the lineouts. So how did they do it? (I am very suspicious of that Frizell intervention! )They won through breakdown and collision dominance. Also they played a great territory game with the kicking.

[@MorkelErasmus]

I too am very suspicious about Frizell's move on Bongi...

[@Aleander1988]

Respectfully disagree with the obsession of a one-dimensional style assessment of the Boks. They played the conditions, simple as that. They are FAR from one-dimensional. - Libbok’s no-look kick vs Scotland - Arendse & Kolbe counter-attacking France when most sides would’ve collapsed under the amount of pressure France applied. That game would not have been won by a one-dimensional team, that French team were playing on another level. Outscoring France 4 tries to 3 by the way, not very one-dimensional to me. - Being absolutely knackered in the semi-final and then being able to score a try out of nowhere to unlock the game The reason they went “boring” and “defensive” in the final was because of the Bongi injury. Fourie was struggling to get his lineout throws on target (understandably), which meant kicking to touch was a risky option (hence the repeated drop-goals). Conrad Smith mentioned that even if Richie or Barrett make their kicks, there’s no guarantee the AB’s win, because the Boks would’ve adapted their game. Because they are so multi-dimensional, the Boks would’ve found a way to play the conditions and get into a position to take the lead again. If Bongi stays fit, it could very well have been a repeat of Twickenham. And would you consider that game one-dimensional as well? That fact that they could adapt and win against most opposition styles as well as in any conditions makes them one of the all-time great teams. To say that they are adaptable but one-dimensional is a complete contradiction.

[@shaheempashua6924]

There was also another tactical reason for those drop goals attempts They forced the all blacks to play the ball out of their 22 more allowing for the rush defense to put immense pressure on them Just a thought

[@mitakon21]

Well said, exactly, genau!!

[@simonkoch6336]

We lost our best player Marx in the beginning ,and then Bongi another great player in the key positions and key turnover players both .

[@kellyrobbins8255]

The Boks scored, on average, more than one try for every turnover this year. 1.15 tries per turnover. Makes the Springboks the best counter-attacking team in the world across all professional rugby, including top-tier club rugby. France is the next best national team, at 0.93 tries per turnover. The Boks took them on at their own game and won - 6 tries (3-3) in just one half followed by a second half where Springbok experience shone - scored another try instead of going for the 3 and won with 4 tries to 3 against a team that plays "beautiful" rugby. WR can change whatever laws they like but SA has the players to adapt. Just take a look at the way our domestic teams play. Capable of - excuse my language - batshit crazy rugby.

[@FrancoisSauer-ys3qc]

This was best show I saw for same time very open minden brilliant. Please make shows on U.R.C.,the rugby fanatics in S.A. are many.We need to learn about D.N.A.of the clubs competing in Europe.Say I am a Bulls or Stormer ect supporter would like to support second team from Europe,follow them,when they come to S.A.go watch there games.Would love to hear your experts go trew teams,upcoming players,what to look out for in game's, ect.

[@Ballas56]

A very thoughtful discussion - enjoyed it.

[@brandonjohnson6495]

SA has won 4 finals and has only conceded 1 try over those 4 finals, defense wins World Cups. Enough said!

[@erickdavid2412]

That 1 Try was forward but we will concede it to them since there is nothing we can do about a call once its made

[@EugeneHuman-kl1vc]

Its a mindgame too, when Boks started doing Dropgoals (whether they go over or not). This now changes the mindset of NZ and it worked. Instead they looking to charge things down... instead of spreading wide. So this gives Springboks more options.. To either go for dropgoal via posts or quickly spread wide if NZ tried to chargedown a kick.

[@melvinesmith]

Great job guys! One of the best podcast I have listened the last while! I will certainly subscribe! 🇿🇦

[@danglybit1]

Always a treat to listen great knowledgeable pundit like Bernard And Jonny...The first half SA vs France will be the greatest test rugby.

[@shaunspies1108]

My wife and I had the good fortune of traversing Ireland North to South, East to West. What nice people, only surpassed by the natural beauty of the aptly named, Emerald Isle, known as Ireland. ( To be specific, our favourite county was County Donegal. ) I have been a fan of Irish Rugby for at least the last 15 years, although you beat us. I wish Ireland all the best, and may your Rugby flourish and grow in leaps and bounds. I also prefer the URC to super Rugby. As for the final, the Boks did not win the game, New Zealand lost it! Thank you for your support, and unbiased review. May your pod also grow.

[@Jacolath]

People often make the mistake that this is the style the boks play. This might have been true in the past but what enabled them to win this time around with all these stronger teams I believe was there ability to switch it up depending in the opposition, the game state and most importantly the type of game. In knock out matches they will shift more into a conservative play style. This type of style benefits from the other side feeling more pressured. Less chances means less room for mistakes and more pressure building and more mistakes. NZ made many uncharacteristic mistakes. People forget the 35-7 vs NZ and 52-16 vs Wales just before the world cup with low pressure. They are capable with their squad to play any style and be good at it (unlike bok teams from the past). They just choose the right tool for the given job. They even shift styles wihtin games depending on the situation. The first half in the final there was a bit more movement in the backline but shut down shop in the second half etc. vs Eng they stepped up towards the end. This ability is key to their success I believe.

[@HeeniKeke]

Many don’t like seeing teams win by forcing errors on opposition for penalties….like it or not…but people do want to see clear tries where nothing is in dispute

[@kellyrobbins8255]

@@HeeniKeke This is core to actually winning a rugby game, forcing mistakes out of the opposition. If people don't want to see games where teams are under pressure, rugby is not for him. It's how teams deal with pressure that makes them great. NZ had a discipline issue that began before the RWC. SA did not, although they did pick up 2 in the final. Pressure does this and NZ didn't handle it well at Twickenham. They played well with 14 (also against 14 for some time) in the final but those are avoidable cards. Super Rugby's lenience re tackle height may well have been the problem, but cynicism also came into it.

[@HeeniKeke]

@@kellyrobbins8255 Yes…that is South Africa style… force errors on opposition and scream at referee for penalties….it is no wonder many do not enjoy watching Springboks play.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Every team looks to force errors on their opposition. That's the byproduct of pressure, which is felt when playing good teams @@HeeniKeke.

[@HeeniKeke]

@@kellyrobbins8255 I disagree. NZL is just one team who don’t win majority of games by penalties. There is no sense in arguing over this. Nobody needs to agree with another’s opinions. All the best for South Africa as all waiting to see the team win all tests since they are “best in world”

[@cassidydavid5917]

Congratulations to south Africa fantastic team

[@mikerobertson7082]

Think you need 33 guys, all of whom you’re happy to play in the knock out games… and then rotate them. And the only way you get this is to expose guys to more intense pressure…which also means accepting you’ll loose more from time to time as you build the depth

[@myleshayleymargot6554]

Great commentary, excellent views on growing Irish Rugby by getting some players elsewhere in the world. I believe in this.

[@LB_die_Kaapie]

This is the best review ive heard.

[@DieKnoop]

A lot better comments that are all balanced this week. Well done panel. Very interesting to hear.

[@StaalBurger-s4q]

Stats don't lie. Boks played 2 WC's less than the Ab's AND WON 1 MORE. Boks haven't lost a final, AB's lost 2. Boks played 8 WC's - won 4. AB's played 10 - won 3. Ireland played 10 - won zilts, nothing, nada, niks. But still - we will stay humble and try our best next time. Honestly have a lot of respect for the Ab'S..... ARDIE IS A MONSTER!

[@worldchampions4379]

All Blacks are the Brazil of rugby, Springboks are the Germany of rugby. Thats the Beuty of sports.

[@distinctlyleon]

Well done on a balanced assessment of the game. One thing to point out is, that had SA made all their kicks against Ireland in the pool game, they would have won that game too.

[@GavinTremble]

You are right about that... but that wasnt a knock-out match... if it was a knock-out match, we would find a way to win.

[@distinctlyleon]

Absolutely. We created a winning squad of 33 players. If we fielded both teams there would have been two SA teams in final. It’s called depth and courage with belief in all the players. Ireland also had the depth of players in their squad but weren’t prepared to take the risk by playing pretty much the same team throughout the tournament which cost them dearly in the end.

[@wewhofly]

all hypotheticals are up for debate. Ireland too left points behind/or shunned them on the day.

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

Soith African game management in the last 15 min was top tier. Everything was done to keep the All Blacks in their half of the field. Charge downs, ankle taps, drop goals and kicking for field position.

[@andresullivan6473]

Wow this was the best pod ive heard to date

[@mpilodigitalmarketing]

40:20. Yes, we can say that, but it really boils down to what is happening in the game, which is a tactic that Rassie uses intentionally, but more importanty, and he did explain this phenomenon once before, the Springboks all of a sudden had depth in the back row and if you had listened to Rassie speak before, it essentially dictated our game and the way we make substitutions. A point to note: Before Rassie's time the AB's used to win all their close games between us bar 2009 which essentially upped their win rate against us. All because of those last 20 minutes. We just couldn't deal. But because the development of the game over the years soma meant that attacking teams get blown more, which coincided with a freakish development of some of the forwards at Bulls during Daan Human's reign as scrum coach, Rassie took a step back and ultimately allowed statistics to lead him. Rassie may make gambles sometimes, like picking Canan against the All Blacks at Twickenham against the best attacking side in the world, or picking Deon Fourie as the substitute hooker, but he does this with the buy in of stats, and all the players involved.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Rassie and Jacques turned the Boks into, statistically, the best counter-attacking team in the RWC. 1.15 tries per turnover. France next best country, with 0.93. They kept fixing weaknesses and finding a way to win regardless of the challenges the team faced. By far our most impressive and toughest RWC win, simply for the innovation, how tough it was, the players we were missing and the route we had to take. They told us they'd do it and they did it.

[@gregchristos8954]

There's nothing quite like watching Battle of the Somme and Hacksaw Ridge live on tele as teams battle it out in the trenches to hold the line with the enemy at the gates. Despite all the whingeing humans lose interest watching exciting razzle dazzle games of beach touch. Very little separates the styles of play of Ireland, SA, France and England. These teams are at home battling it out in the trenches, and it makes for absorbing viewing unique to the game of Rugby.

[@diepadda]

Andy Farrel didn’t rotate his players. I think Nienaber was a better coach because he trusted the full squad of players for the boks - all 33 players were trusted and rotated. SA built depth and rotated to account for the most difficult route to a World Cup win. I think that coaches of the boks have the edge and the most innovation as compared to all other coaches of the year and definitely could have been coach of the year for what they have achieved.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Andy Farrell has had a phenomenal year and deserved his award. JN boasted a slightly lower win rate overall yet won the RWC. However, I think there is a lot of confusion about the guy actually pulling the strings for the Boks because that coaching group is very cohesive - it's a group effort, tbh. Daan Human and Deon Davids for the scrum and forwards, Stokke for the individual skills, JN for defence and Felix Jones as a tactic/strategy-focused assistant, and Rassie for the batshit calls that nobody else would think of making. That coaching group as a whole deserves an award - esp Rassie, Stokke and Jacques, who have known many of these players since they were tearaway teenagers.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

And yes, the rotation of the squad was key. They had absolute trust in everyone. Imagine taking Eben Etzebeth of all people off in the final? Jean Kleyn is great but he's not Eben. He was trusted. Deon Fourie was trusted at hooker and captain. Trust is such a big part of this Bok environment.

[@siyandiki]

u miss the point with 15min to go , ireland didnt sub a walking Sexton for a fresh player , it takes balls to make those calls and ireland didnt make them

[@MrVenom5150]

Bernard yer a legend. Your analysis and opinions are always beautifully conveyed. A true, non Biased, fair pundit

[@africapapo2540]

as a South African i really enjoyed this.very refreshing and fair analysis

[@marcominny9912]

Thanks for your unbiased views. Great listen.

[@deonvanstaden9168]

Perfect summary. No panic. The mental fitness, they were relentless

[@davidpeters3857]

Excellent content

[@moderate1452]

Don't think Ireland should be changing just for the sake of changing, in my mind Irish rugby is a fearsome force and developing a gameplan against it is a nightmare. Love SA

[@chiefgl1161]

If you want to beat the Springboks, you will have to beat us. We WILL NOT give up in a game. We will do what we need to to get the job done. I do like watching the pretty rugby the other teams play. I LOVE winning the cup.

[@coatknight]

Having South Africa compete in the URC has been one of the best things to happen to Irish and Scottish rugby. Wales and Italy to a lesser extent. SA leaving SuperRugby has been detrimental to NZ, AUS and ARG. It has and will harden Irish players even more. SA has a lot of financial and logistical issues to overcome. It has the players but the government is just getting worse. It will depend on the next coach and what continuity SA can muster if it is to be a force at the next WC. NZ has the culture and depth to remain strong but France and Ireland should be in a good place the next WC. England and Australia have a lot to sort out to save what is left of their rugby.

[@Wide-eye]

Scotland and Eng did not score a try v SA. Against France 3 of SA's 4 tries were scored by backs. All 3 Frances tries were scored by forwards. Irish and NZ each scored one try v SA. Eng in 4 W Cup finals only scored one try. So how entertaining was these countries play ?

[@brendanpeacock4475]

Quality discussion.

[@sportrocdoc2237]

What will determine the winner for the next WC, the rules and how to bend them.

[@sportrocdoc2237]

BTW the fruit of the 4 scrum halves is yet to come.

[@toscabrutus1781]

Briljante kommentaar. Wat ek hou van die iere hulle gee krediet waar dit toekom nie soos sekere engelse kommentators! Groete uit LIma Peru.

[@jcr2347]

One thing no one ever consider is this: I am a neutral in this regard: The Springboks played 5 of the top 6 teams in the world and 1 very physical second tier team (Tonga), who had their best game in the tournament against the Springboks, regardless of the scoreboard which the Springboks won convincingly. Yet it was a brutal, physical match! Strategically the Springboks crafted the QF by losing to Ireland, knowing that QFs are unfortunately Irelands bogey knock-out stage, as they have never passed this stage in any WC. But also understanding the ABs were re-calibrating their systems after pre-world cup loss to the Springboks and WC loss to France. Springboks also knew that their ability/probability to beat France at that stage of the tournament was much higher (100% according to historical stats) than beating the ABs (according to historical stats), because even though to Boks has a 100% win recond over the ABs in a WC Final, they have a 50% record vs the ABs in group stage, QF and SF, combined. The Springboks played this World Cup more strategically than any other team. Both on the field and off the field. Regardless of winning the last three games with a single point. Gents the rest is history and should be treated as such. Media from England and to some measure, France will still force negativity. It is what it is. Springboks are the rightful holders of the Webb-Ellis. They played according to their strenghts and within their skill set, understood their game plan and executed it. The players backed their coaching staff and backed one another. Manie Libbok will still become a force to be reckoned with and over the next four years leading to the 2027 WC, the SA backline will become more skill orientated, especially with the skills coming through the junior rankings. Some players will maybe even be able to play in a third / fourth WC. The foundational work over the past 8 years, just brilliant and I do hope a new head coach is selected in line with where this team stand at the moment and what they need to produce over the next four years.

[@cornelcarelse7613]

Rassie and Nienaber takes stats and player output under close watch and key and not only the Boks, the opposition Aswell and then form a plan against that with the best possible players not always the best on form but for the tactic

[@ZambeziKid]

Interestingly, if FRA, ENG or NZL had won their knock out game, what would we be saying now? I think we would be saying that they desrved their win. All 3 games, the loser dominated the game. SA rode their luck and came thru adversity. It was a huge challenge and they managed it. BUt I do beleive there was a huge slice of luck too. ... and I am a Bok fan. I tihnk they need to offer a ibt more to improve the probability for the next RWC.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Nobody is that lucky. As a Bok fan, you have to admit that. One one-point win can be called lucky. It's not lucky when it's 3 in a row. Have a feeling that the Boks would find a way to score if they were behind, esp in that final. We've never lost one and this group is a special one - not the most talented, player for player, that we've ever fielded, but the connection, chemistry and trust they have as a unit is almost incomparable.

[@ZambeziKid]

@@kellyrobbins8255 My status as a Bok fan does not affect the rationality of how luck works. In a universe of infinite time, an infinite amount of luck will eventually arise. I agree that the final was different to the other 2 games. SA were tired and chose to defend bcos they could and bcos they lost 2 of their main attack platforms and lost 2 players to yellows. They chose that path and would have changed the tactic if NZ had taken the lead. But in semi and QF, they did ride their luck.

[@MrFarr007]

Really good analysis gentlemen

[@patrickoleary2862]

Lots of hard questions to be asked of coaching staff + team if they are to have any hope of learning from yet another QF exit / dunno why people so reluctant to ask them. Doesn't mean criticism / more like an honest assessment of themselves + every aspect of the campaign. To name just a few - failure to rotate squad adequately / failure to properly address lineout issues apparent since early 2023 / failure to kick penalty opportunites (which left them needing miracle at the death) / failure to replace Sexton long before the end when he was obviously out on his feet - speaks to Sexton being allowed to become bigger than the team + am sure Jack Crowley learnt loads sitting on the bench watching them go down in flames. Not faulting anything in relation to effort from the players / God knows they poured everything into the campaign + then some. But honestly think if the above not addressed honestly + quickly then they are doomed to repeat same in 2027 (which would mark 40 years of history repeating itself FFS). BTW I enjoy the RTE Podcast hugely + well done on all yere excellent content throughout RWC + before. However it pains me to have to agree with Pat Spillane that there is a lack of critical analysis in Irish rugby media in general, GT in Irish Times being the most blatant but def not the only example.

[@wilmanmitchell4410]

If you looking back at the Ireland game it was processed testing game and that is why they went back to defence and basic drivengame.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Nope. We scored 3 times in 99 seconds - that is time spent in total in the opposition 22 against France in the 1st half of the QF. We are statistically the best counter-attacking team in the world in 2023. Ireland didn't change the way we played. It wasn't the reason for doing anything. We just employed different game plans in different conditions with the players best suited to both - it depends on the challenge.

[@wilmanmitchell4410]

@@kellyrobbins8255 just go back and watch the three 7-1 split Bench game look at the tactics and if you followed SA rugby from Naas Botha time you will see what I mean with my comment.

[@thomastopping9625]

Tim, do you not mean the 1974 British Lions tour, Willie John Captain, Gareth Edwards etc, Gerald Bosch Fly half for the Boks?

[@mr_coccybio1433]

Apart from Bundi Aki, who was outstanding, who from the Irish team can say they performed at their highest level. Maybe I'm being harsh but I cannot think of an Irish player who truly reached their potential during the world cup.

[@marchennink]

Great Pod gentlemen

[@wewhofly]

Irish rugby commentators (mostly ex-players too) have a very difficult time admitting that true sides with full WC potential show faith in a wider selection of players. Jackman wanders all over the place at the end there trying to evade the question. If a squad is good enough to go to a world cup then they should be good enough to at least use in Pool games. If they are not good enough, then the side isn't fully ready to compete. Sexton was on the field long after his lungs and legs had deserted him in the QF. He was not functioning well enough, but was left on. If Farrell was of the opinion that the replacement wasn't good enough then Ireland weren't ready to win a WC. Yet the publicity was that we were. Only one of them can be true.

[@markrutherford6010]

Springboks are great team.But the truth is so is Ireland,France and NZ. There is not lot between these teams. Springboks had a lot of help from TMO.The All Blacks had 14 players for 69 minutes of that match. The TMO is destroying our game.

[@South_Affy]

I came back to listen to this poddie a second time after rewatching all the games and one thing that stood out for me was the lack of expression/emotion on the Springboks faces and their body language when they made mistakes -. There is definitely something different with the Springboks mindset this World Cup. Anyone else notice this?

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Rassie and Jacques. They don't care if you make mistakes because everybody does. What matters is always how you get up and get on with it. There is a clip from 2019 where Rassie speaks about this precise issue. Never. Let. The. Head. Drop. That's all. It's not about you. If you think it is, you have an ego problem. Those were his words.