Springboks v Ireland Review - July Rugby Tests 2024

South Africa v Ireland July 2024 Match Review: Key Events, Stats & Opinions
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South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Kwagga Smith DB, TOW, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert , 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 RG Snyman, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony (c), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Garry Ringrose
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[@tyronegaa]

As an Ireland fan I travelled to Cape Town SA for the 1st test match in 2016. Had the time of my life, great craic with the saffa fans, beautiful country, lots of beer. There is no need for this great rivalry to turn sour over the social media trolls. It should be celebrated. Congrats SA, great game…. But see you next week ☘️v🇿🇦

[@abbu.robinson]

Well Cape Tonians are class. And totally agree with the sentiments

[@aleccastro4761]

100%

[@margieking3405]

Strenuous but respectful rivalry 🍻

[@Nawal_SA]

❤🎉yes chap we together....I'm showing love from Cape town South Africa

[@hankscorpion9939]

Well said. A great emerging rivalry. No need for any of the unpleasantness though.

[@Krazymarmo]

Man, Ireland is impressive! As an SA fan, I was having continuous heart attacks. Could go either way. Congrats on an incredible game Ireland

[@randomuruk7230]

Ireland were atrocious, basically just big children with no motor skills.

[@CK-fe3vg]

Well done SA. Did yourself proud today.👍👍👍

[@christianmccann9400]

Ireland supporter here .. I sat in the pub watching earlier when myself and bok fan both grabbed our chests looked each other in the eyes .. and said to each other at same time "my heart can't take this" and both LAUGHED hard .. congratulations SA .. but next wk is ours lol

[@garytaylor6408]

Great match, fair play to SA for getting the job done. Durban will be a cracker hopefully we can level up the series. Either way it's going to be fun.

[@vertz1984]

Fuck yeah I was in an Irish pub as I’m on holidays and holy hell we were screaming down the place. Me and the fellah I was sitting beside nearly went into cardiac arrest. But holy congratulations to SA yous were class today. Can’t wait for our next match gonna be a hell of a battle. Love from Ireland🇮🇪❤️🇿🇦

[@LeMerch]

I’m French but jealous of this rivalry becoming increasingly genuine between the Ireland and the South Africa. Two heavyweights of world rugby now. That game could have swung either way in the last 10 minutes. It reminded me of watching a boxing match between two heavyweight boxers, with a the final bell looming, they just throw caution to the wind and go hell for leather. Great game! Thanks for the breakdown too!

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Exactly what I thought, like a heavy boxing match, pow, pow, pow OMG not sure how much I can take 😳🤔🙂

[@KewKew-do3kq]

Yes as urc goes on it will become more intense

[@wouterroos2359]

It is not a rivalry. We respect what Ireland has done. But they are not our rivals, they are just another team. The ABs are our only rivals (btw I am scared shittless of having razor as AB coach).

[@KewKew-do3kq]

@@wouterroos2359 they are clearly a rival because SA so so much to annoy them. They even played the Irish song after you won

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@wouterroos2359 big up

[@garethkeane3020]

Congrats SA from Ireland. Great contest 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JamestonBoi]

Ireland did great. Despite always wanting the SH team to win, I can't deny that Ireland are a force to be reckoned with.

[@aleccastro4761]

your boys were in it till the final min deservedly - well done to yours as well

[@cl0udbr3ak]

Ireland came hard and in a game of small margins it could have gone either way. Next week end will be another humdinger

[@readesiun988]

Congrats South Africa from an Irish fan, great test, proud of our boys going the 80 minutes.

[@thomasVA9707]

That was certainly intense , that irish team has no end , what a great game , next week is gonna be crazy again 🇿🇦

[@fabianklaaste1476]

Dude why do i come here immediately after a game instead of listening to the television pundits😮 ....your good...your bloody good man.

[@skibbitybopmdada]

Because most pundits are just regurgitating same talking points given to them by the studio

[@pajerry33]

Good commentary

[@AE-ix2iz]

Same here

[@gercreighton1851]

Yeah first place to go for excellent analysis - unusual for NZ 😉

[@AM-dj1wr]

Ya man, Two Cents! Better than most pundits. Also a gentleman.

[@barryodonoghue7986]

As a Springboks fan, I was very impressed by Ireland. They never gave up and pushed us till the very end! I'm looking forward to next week. The two best teams in the world, without a doubt!

[@Frankabagnale33]

@@barryodonoghue7986 close game but we feel the boks were overall better on the day. So congrats 🥳

[@JimmieCooper-le6vj]

Two best teams in the world !! Really !! 😅😅😅😅😅

[@AM-dj1wr]

​@@JimmieCooper-le6vjYip, check your world rankings. Also count these 🇿🇦🏆🏆🏆🏆🇿🇦

[@dantewalters7207]

​@@JimmieCooper-le6vjyes, really. Razor wasn't the miracle boy that Kiwis hoped he would be. You can only run through a team when they can't defend. New Zealand were kicking the ball more often than England in the end.

[@JimmieCooper-le6vj]

@@dantewalters7207 And the Boks were not as " great " as they thought.NZ won.Period.It was their first game in months ,new coach /new players etc....NZ will smash England in the 2nd Test.👌👌

[@johanschoeman869]

Kudos to Ireland for giving the Boks a entertaining and tight game. The second test will be no push over for the Springboks. The Springboks are showing great new skills which augers very well for them. To the Irish fans who are over here..come share a beer and lets have some spirited banter and make the most of your stay.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Thanks for your remarks ☘ Slainte

[@5jacksonsjourney179]

The Irish are always welcome in SA. Have fun in SA mate. It’s only a game, but having fun on tour is the reason we travel to see the best game in sport.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

@@johanschoeman869 I love what they did with the backline running! Passing the ball up to your wing has a major drawback because A) if you keep it flat, your wing gets the ball when the opposing wing is right on him, B) is you pass it deeper to create some space, you risk losing field position and 3) your wing is isolated from your forwards and this makes ball retention dicey. Go look at that first try. Who passed the ball to KLA? Yep, it was that beautiful smashing machine Kolisi who ran into the line, pulled defenders, got over the gain line and handed off to the little maestro to dance his way to a try. So we had Kolisi for KLA and Pieter Steph Du Toit for Kolbe, to slot in beside Jesse Kriel. Their inclusion means that we pulled a lot of defenders out wide AND if the wing did get caught with the ball, immediately you have a crazed bezerker hitting tackle area with the force of a minivan. Tony Brown, you beauty.

[@briancrowe7343]

That was a clear example of how rugby is won and lost on narrow margins when it's played at this level. Cannot wait for next week now both teams are warmed up .🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@thomasVA9707]

Yeah man it was certainly on a knifes edge, both teams are just amazing, i love it when we play ireland , nothing is more tense, could have gone either way 🇿🇦

[@rashaadprice4998]

As a bok fan I cannot help but think ....these Irish are made of the white stuff...they are truly the froth of the Guiness... See you next week....Walk on and walk tall...

[@_Odyssia_]

As a Saffa, Ireland was phenomenal tonight! This was truly a game of fine margins, and it could've gone anyway, but congratulations to Ireland for giving the Bokke and us fans a challenging yet entertaining game! I can proudly say that Ireland is starting to become one of the Springboks' greatest rivals on the likes of the All Blacks thats going to be known for decades. And it will be an honor to play with Ireland again next week 🫡💚🤍🧡🇮🇪🤝🇿🇦❤️💚🖤💛🤍💙. P.S. If any NH team should go to beat all SH teams in the RWC in 2027, my best and only pick is going to be Ireland to win the cup🤞🏽.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Love your comment, thank you so much. Was on the edge of my settee the whole game. Irish lady living in London, screaming my head off with my SA neighbour sitting with me. Obviously wanted my beloved Ireland to win but am so proud of how they played today, some one had to lose. Take care 💚💚

[@tomf1dublin1]

Irish fan . Thank you . Ireland rusty in first half ( have not played since March ) . Let’s see next week . Irish incredibly fit . Sa deserved win but really could have gone either way

[@johngarveyire]

Same back mate, less of the chat/chat on big media, more of the lads - what a game of proper rugby, congrats to SA on the win, and the anthem and the turnout and atmosphere, and you're care of Irish fans - complete respect!. (world cup cycles blah blah, play the game)

[@industrysyndrome]

Ireland got real grit. Wow... Great game gents! Boys made us proud today❤

[@xabisombilini5440]

What a game!! Could have gone either way. The Irish are an impressive side even with the talent they've lost. I'm happy that Rassie finally got his first win over Ireland. From a happy Bok supporter.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Great game! Would have preferred Ireland to have won obviously But great game, and Ireland does need to find more players to fill the gaps when needed, I think this was an excellent opportunity for Ireland to grow and develop. Well done SA 👍

[@danielgriffin9431]

Irish fan here .. true that 2 close decisions went against them that cud have changed result .. but I always believe the best team win & tbh the Saffas looked more dangerous going forward than the Irish .. so kudos 🇿🇦.. & roll on next weekend ✌️

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Yes I kind of agree, I just think SA are so much more aggressive in their onslaught, it’s almost relentless BUT I was so proud how Ireland stood up to it. Well done to both.

[@burncarlow]

Congrats SA from an ireland fan. I think neither team were at their best and the boks showed their class to grind out a win. Ref was harsh on us but no excuses.

[@johangrove7342]

Your boys are a great side buddy I reckon the tries you scored were better than ours.

[@Narapoia1]

Won't lie, I thought the disallowal of Lowe's try was pretty iffy, if it had been a Bok try cancelled I would be pretty dark about it. Th Kolbe try was was almost 50 50, just no angle on whether it was still in his hand but if they'd disallowed it I wouldn't have been surprised. Rub of the green on the night for us it is fair to say.

[@burncarlow]

@Narapoia1 agreed, the thing is kolbe is probably the only player that could or would chase that down. He's unbelievable.

[@user-mr9xe6lr3y]

Irish came to play and gave it horns, true warrior’s. Let’s go toe to toe next weekend. Love it. Rugby 💪🏻

[@keithstritch1217]

Good comment pal..

[@TaTa-wv9kl]

This pairing is turning into THE pairing in any forum anywhere in world rugby. The intensity and the rivalry. Thank god it’s only 80mins, my head would explode!

[@paulharte77]

Loving all the positive comments on here about what a brilliant game.

[@Wildlife_SA.]

What a game. What an atmosphere!! That final scrum was power at work! Well done Bokke!! 💪🏉🇿🇦

[@paullouw4524]

Our Scrum was under pressure 80% of the game!!!.....Did Malcolm Marks Played?????

[@vertz1984]

Well done from Ireland.🇮🇪❤️🇿🇦

[@Evan-fr6dv]

Ireland supposed 'weakness' was their depth . They certainly showed us different, they went toe to toe with our depth. Classy as ...

[@Dreyno]

It’s not something we’re too worried about in Ireland apart from a couple of positions where we haven’t given anyone a chance (fullback mainly). Other countries don’t tend to know players beyond the first XV but there’s plenty of talent.

[@wynandvanzyl8798]

I see Tony Brown's influence in the bok team. Wait and see, Mr Brown didn't have a long time with the boks. As a Springbok supporter, I like what I see.

[@biltongish]

It looks very promising. It was a good tough game, but the break down will have to be looked at. A lot of slowing down allowed tonight (at the break down). A few taps on the knuckles by the ref at the start of the game and the backline could have been even more in play.

[@anthonyafonso3599]

He influenced Japan play?

[@jksinorbit]

All I saw was running, and not particularly effective running. We ended up tiring ourselves out ! It's a fact of the game that big games require kicking, the stats show that.

[@k0bra3eak40]

They already looked more dangerous on attack than against Wales as they get more used to the new structures they're gonna become unstoppable

[@71bootneck]

Work in I. Progress. Not happy with 50/50 passes.

[@glenallen196]

Well.done SA...meant alot to them. Not entirely disappointed as an Irish fan, keeping it within a score says alot. Ample fodder for any future meets!!

[@vladtheinhaler6579]

Great game. Ireland looked dead and buried but dug in and pushed this game down to the wire. What pleased me most was that Ireland didn't fold when the bomb squad came on...in fact it fired them up. However, the Boks had the edge on this one and deserved to win. Both teams have to tweak some things in the coming week but the next game has the potential to be a classic. Bring it on!

[@andynicoletti7789]

Eish. That was stressful. Cheslin Kolbe. Wowee what a try.

[@leonardodavinci7425]

That shouldn't have been a try

[@brettfleiner4906]

@@leonardodavinci7425 If it had gone the other way and Lowe kept it in and Ireland ran it back, bet no one would have had anything to say.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@leonardodavinci7425 How so? Have to agree with @brettfleiner4906 - if Ireland had run it back from there and scored, you would not be complaining.

[@randomuruk7230]

@@Karma-qt4ji Doesn't change the fact it was out

[@Tomk79rhby]

​@randomuruk7230 Take the loss. Clearly wasnt obviously out. TMO had a long look.

[@intlemancoko7963]

Siya kolisi with massive Carries on the fringes

[@occularpatdown]

Nah too fat/s

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Nothing new there!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@karldrogo9765 You obviously missed my point. He does this every weekend when he puts on a green and gold jersey. The man is a legend and that's what we've come to expect from him. I'd love you to point out the time I complained about Siya having a bad game. Don't recall him having too many of those. Any questions?

[@karldrogo9765]

@@Karma-qt4ji thanks for the explanation..I misread that statement. I'll go ahead and delete that...

[@truthbetold8233]

He was doing the same thing at Racing, in effectively every game he played, despite what weird media narratives try to suggest.

[@clibo1]

That Final scrum by the Springboks will get the People going 😤😤😤😤

[@_wayne_6565]

Absolutely epic scrum.

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

@@_wayne_6565total demolition!!

[@9502937]

That was the deciding factor. They won the game with that and deserved to.

[@stephenlouwbiokineticist4127]

James Lowe had a very interesting game. He is class btw. He had two bad moments but he also had a hand in two of the tries.

[@corneilevanrooyen5612]

Can't wait for the brilliant analysis of the game from Jeff Wilson and John Kirwan😂 Haha, thank you Two Cents Rugby community for allowing fact-driven and positive conversation on all teams. You guys are great.

[@Pand896]

Me too😂

[@keenanterblanche7247]

They will just say it was a boring game

[@johngarveyire]

Ha ha ha

[@smallpoet]

Pollard pulled a bit of a Libbok

[@SMacCuUladh]

not if you know pollard

[@NkabaNdhlovu-z2o]

It was one game relax and you can’t expect him to always be 100%

[@sakabula2357]

​@@wlk2408DMac's impressions of the Joker when he lines up a kick is hilarious..but even funnier when the smile drops cause he took too long..plus..apparently the stadium clock stopped on 19 seconds so that why the ref stepped in..

[@bravestarr1797]

​@user-ou7cj6oy1x but you expect Libbok to be?

[@tobolee6385]

Nonsense he had a crap game . .should be on the bench next game .. .he should have went off at 50 min

[@adriaanvanniekerk6641]

Didn’t feel like either of us had a great game . But well done to the boys for getting it done. 🇿🇦 Hard luck 🍀. See you next week

[@YOYOTh1s]

Was a little scrappy by both teams, so I think it evened out in the end! Let's see what happens in Durban!

[@CK-fe3vg]

Agreed. Firstly well done South Africa, but it was a bit of a weird game. Strange mistakes.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

​@@CK-fe3vgby my count, there were only two tries due to clever work; the KLA try to open the scoring and the first Irish try (which left me stunned, wow) The other four tries were all soft. Great opportunism, sure, but really the teams should have done better

[@adriaanvanniekerk6641]

Yeah I think the game in Durban is the one I’m most nervous about. No altitude advantage for us😅

[@CK-fe3vg]

@@adriaanvanniekerk6641 really looking forward to next week. I heard its not shown on SA TV. Same problem in Ireland. 🙄🙄

[@Frankabagnale33]

Fair play to SA for the win. Hopefully we will have more luck in round 2. What a game! My BP was insane throughout

[@Evan-fr6dv]

Fair play to you guys too. Ireland are the real deal! Durban is for the taking!

[@Jon-bk2yw]

Shows how hearty both south africa and ireland are,great effort from both teams!

[@riyaadrhoda3990]

A good win for the Boks against an excellent Irish team. This was number one vs number two in the world. Not much in it. What a match!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man can't wait to see them lock horns again next week!

[@Starsky1413]

I’m a bok supporter but ffs Ireland deserves massive respect Good god What a game FFS Ireland is on a roll You gonna win next world cup Hell….what a game FFS man What a game Ireland You gonna be the best next World Cup Massive massive respect for you guys man

[@eamonndawson5329]

Much respect to the Boks , you guys along with the AB’s are the Legends of the game , us older lads have to constantly pinch ourselves to be currently in a position to regularly compete with you , We will take it and love it for as long as it lasts , these rivalry’s are great for the game we love , looking forward to next week already . 👍😁💚☘️

[@keenanquinn2205]

This guy drank brandys

[@Derp846]

I am loving this rivalry thats building between Ireland and South Africa!​@@eamonndawson5329

[@MikeH89]

I genuinely think if we'd found a way to win then Craig Casey would've been MoM. Gutted he went off injured and we probably won't see him next week. He's a legend. Fair play to the Boks though, they found a way and showed their champion spirit

[@dorrienvenables3057]

I have to admire your dedication for such things in the early hours of the morning. It was a great contest all around, I hope they start with Sacha in the first 40 or introduce him a bit earlier.

[@Pand896]

I Agree,they should put Sacha in the Game earlier next time

[@Driver2616]

South African team brilliant! South Africa fans, even more brilliant! Ireland team and fans, the same, both brilliant! Venue brilliant! Everything about this game, number 1 team in the world, world champions, playing against number two team in the world. Brilliant! What more could any rugby fan anywhere in the world want? Well a competent team of officials, in particular a competent TMO and a properly competent and less officious and self important referee would be nice. Looking forward to the next game next week in Durban! Should be epic! 😊 Hope the officials are up to the next one.

[@dimitardobrev3296]

What a bloody good game. The Tony Brown dimension is exciting if not a bit nerve wrecking to watch.

[@andrewkelly7065]

Love the respect on here. Well done SA.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Happy to hear we didn’t make you nod off. I am so happy with the way Ireland played today. We didn’t win, which would have been preferable but God do they fight till the end? Oh yes. Osborne was a tad shaky to start, but think he can hold his head up. If you ever listen to the song “Irelands Call” throughout, it says “we will fight until we can fight no more” that is the Irish spirit. Thought Caelan Doris had a mighty game ☘🇮🇪💚

[@conwayniall]

A great test match. SA deserved the win, but only just. It really opened up in the last quarter. Can’t wait for next weeks encounter 💪

[@MosesMatsepane]

Ireland is a great team and they play Champange Rugby, I think their fullback had a lot of nerves today which is understandable. Next week's game is going to be intense as well.

[@EolasColas]

Well played SA.. proud of our Irish boys. Luke Pearce was not kind to us today and Ben Whitehouse(TMO) even checked Murray’s Try!?!! Felt we were screwed a bit but SA too powerful at Loftus.. roll on next week 💪

[@elnakruger2036]

Stop blaming the ref. Look at the visual evidence. The Irish hot away with murder in the scrums, specifically A. Porter. The Irish team played a lot of tests recently, compared to the bokke, whose last test as a combined team was the world cup final. The last twe tries byy Ireland were soft tries, due to complacency with the score at that time. Dont pull a Johnny Sexton crybaby like the world cup quarter final!

[@LeinsterExile]

You'd expect the world champions with home advantage to win and they did. It was a great game. No complaints. Both teams have a bit to work on, but Ireland more so. Looking forward to the second game.

[@theodorosmoro-esperidis7035]

Boks 🇿🇦 vs Ireland🇮🇪 is becoming a modern classic rivalry!

[@keithstritch1217]

That's all that needs to be said..Great comment..the two best teams in world at the moment😊

[@patman142]

Great game, thought one of the calls that cost us a try was a bit harsh. Also, it seems everytime our line out comes under pressure, it falls apart. Ad to that a number of silly mistakes that can be fixed. Thought we finished slightly stronger so feeling positive for next week

[@paulharte77]

As an Irish Fan and loads of SA friends, love playing you Guys. Just for the record, we never said we are No.1 in the world. We might say that if we win a WC. Anyway on to the game, loved every minute of it except the result. Also love to see SA running the ball and they played really good looking rugby. Both coaches are geniuses. Also love this reviewer.

[@AdriaanWindt]

Those 2 teams are leading the pack; my word they are impressive. Anything can happen in the next game. We are spoiled

[@Fres-no]

true

[@PatrickBrown924]

Doris got a bit of a talking to, but I thought he was doing the right thing, looking out for his player. Snyman hit Casey some time after the ball had gone, and knocked him clean out. I don't think there was any intentional foul play, but the ref could at least had had a look at it. Can't see Casey passing protocols in time to be ready for next weekend, which presumably means Murray will start and Caolin Blade will be on the bench. But surely it's not too late to put in a call to John Cooney! James Lowe had a shot at being Ireland's Man of the Match, but he definitely would have got Dick of the Day for giving away the Kolbe try and the 5m scrum that led to the penalty try.

[@creekyknee]

I nearly hate English refs as much as I do French Refs. English Refs (Barnes especially) are so obviously anti-Irish, its a pity that you have to gauge how the ref feels about you and try to pander to them. At least with French ref's they are useless and un-predictable with every team. I'd love to see Cooney called up.

[@roycep1737]

The game was simply nuts.

[@tiaancloete7301]

I have gained a lot of respect for Ireland after this game, in my simple opinion they deserve to be up there in the rankings, lots of mudslinging between trolls online and that will always be there but what they have achieved and become the last 10 or so years is remarkable, just a pity its only 2 tests, same goes for the Nz Eng series.

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Would love to see this one in three matches as well!

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

And you didn't gain respect after the WC match?

[@jankoekemoer6034]

​@@Pfessor_Moriartydude, context. Relax man. Not everyone wants to troll you.

[@chrisalheit3205]

What a game! Loving Ireland’s style and structure, love the Bokke guts and power. Stoked for next week. Live from SA

[@Keenonhang]

As an Irish fan I’m quite happy with how we did considering we played the world champions at home at high altitudes. SA were full of bluster and chat leading up to this so I expected a huge performance from them. And they won and were good but they made loads of mistakes and we maybe could have won by just about hanging in there. Ireland made loads of mistakes too but sheer grit and determination helped us give as good as we got for the most part. We weren’t impressive at times. SA weren’t impressive at times. They didn’t blow us away and we were missing some good players with a few new starters so all in all I think Ireland did well. If we can cut down on the mistakes and click better next week I think we’ll do a lot better. It’s was a mad enough game with lots of back and forth and while SA deserved to win Ireland potentially could have stole it. But well done SA. I’m sure finally getting the victory over Ireland is very sweet indeed. Roll on next weekend.

[@jacquescoetzee47]

We left like 20 points out there lmao. Whatever makes you sleep at night though.

[@Keenonhang]

@@jacquescoetzee47 I must have watched a different match. I didn’t see SA miss loads of chances. In fact Ireland gifted you tries by bad mistakes. And Pollard was very poor at kicking today.

[@jacquescoetzee47]

@@Keenonhang Pollard missed 9 points off the tee and we butchered like 2 tries at minimum.

[@Keenonhang]

@@jacquescoetzee47 Loads of mistakes by both sides.

[@cateym]

And Ireland didnt???​@jacquescoetzee47

[@janhbhugo5085]

Thank you Ireland for efforts to win , it makes us better with great competition ! Respect .

[@daveseacy5300]

Well done SA. Was impressed with our lads and how we made a game of it. Lowe with his 4 assists was Man of the match 😂🇮🇪🏉

[@pdeswardt]

SA fan here. They really need to work on the stadium lighting or, if it wasnt that, the camera exposure. The broadcast footage that came through at times were badly lit. Good game, but lots to work on. Well played both sides.

[@biltongish]

Agreed. That lighting looked like it was some low level club match.

[@ColinGrealy]

Absolutely. And the sky sports feed here in NZ had an annoying high pitched buzz in the audio.

[@jankoekemoer6034]

Yip. So glad someone called. Saw it in Urc final. Not good at all. Not exposure problem. Why does nobody speak about it.

[@johanvanzyl8479]

Hope the injury is not serious.

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

I thought Kwagga and Handre had off games

[@riaansnyman8747]

Ireland boys are hardcore , close boys , close 😮

[@rorysullivan4913]

Somehow with the build up to the test one expected more from the Boks. That last try by Murray was classic. True grit from the irish. Kolbe was special once again. Sya outstanding and should have stayed on. Malherbe. Kwagga and Pollard weren't great today. Roos needs to get an opportunity. Second test could go either way ss Irish will be better

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Rory Sullivan, what a great game, I was sad to see Ireland lose BUT so very proud how they stood up under the SA pressure and bomb squad. Hoping we can do better in Durban☘💚🇮🇪

[@Fres-no]

At last.... wadda cracker!

[@firepunch5001]

Great game tony certainly is trying something new with the boys, literally a game of two halves the bomb squad was certainly defused in the second half ,well done ireland.

[@MultiScotty24]

This was good for Rugby. Was at the stadium. Great game to watch

[@brianmsahin]

It was a fantastic game. Congratulations to the Boks, a deserved win, and a good performance from Ireland. Maybe we missed a bit of the zip that JGP brings. Ireland might also have learned a bit from this first game as they did against the AB's in the last tour and playing in Durban at sea level might make it a bit easier to compete. I was delighted that Ireland got back within a converted try. They did deserve it. I did feel we were watching two of the three best teams in the world tonight, having watched the AB's also win. Next weeks game should be even better !! We probably shouldn't forget that the Irish legend Gerry Flannery with 41 Ireland appearances is the defence coach for the Boks.

[@christiancatley4120]

This was always going to be a close hard fought match between two good quality sides in world rugby. And that proved to be the case! Well done SA from All Blacks fan

[@TaTa-wv9kl]

Man that SA crowd know how to enjoy a game!

[@jacquesblignaut2007]

As a Bok fan, best thing we could ever have done was get a New Zeeland attacking couch. I have said my whole life we need a New Zeeland coach - Tony Brown made a huge impact on attack. There is so much we can learn from NZ in the backline, if you can combine that with our forward power we could be unstoppable. Great game and well done to Ireland for fighting to the death.

[@kalifatokata]

Intense game, could have gone either way, congrats Boks, well played Ireland.

[@kh7431]

Thanks for the great review , Congratulations to the Springboks, a very enjoyable game. I didn't like the TMO call on Kelleher that cancelled the Lowe try , I thought that was very pedantic and wonder how the TMO even picked it out.

[@ICantSplel]

Pearce giving Doris a dressing down for talking to him (he was captain), while his teammate was unconscious on the floor was an odd choice. Thought tmo and ref were desperate to find any excuse to rule out every Irish try. Raasie would on the warpath if that was in reverse.

[@JamestonBoi]

Every coach should stand against corrupt officials.

[@creekyknee]

He was very Wayne Barnes-esque to be sure. So obviously anti-Ireland. A disgrace really.

[@Samizouza]

It was a banger for sure between the top two teams in the world

[@citedcanvas85]

Brilliant game. ireland kept us from running away with it. More of the same next week boys. Love the battle so far

[@ronniemurtagh1786]

Congratulations Springboks, you deserved the win. I am proud of our guys, missing our 2 best players, JGP and Hugo Keenan. Hopefully we will make a game of it again next week!!!!

[@brettfleiner4906]

SA don't have Kitschoff or Willemse either.

[@ChristopherRensburg]

Osbourne acquitted himself well I thought.

[@Mostlycars888]

​@brettfleiner4906 yeah Ireland have a few injuries, but so do the Boks....Willemse, Kitshoff, Kleyn, Wiese, Lood & Hanekom etc

[@Fres-no]

Ireland, can be proud, they showed real rugby

[@keithstritch1217]

Next week should be epic..I cant remember the last time ireland lost two in a row..Us irish are a proud bunch. Expect a backlash..Let the new zealand tour where ireland lost the first game be a reminder..Remember these words..Ireland will win next week..great game though today from the boks..Oh ZOMBIE is an irish anthem .get your own song south afrika

[@creekyknee]

You know what, I think that you are right. As in, I think Ireland will win the next one. The Bokkes had all of the advantages today, high altitude, packed stadium, dodgy ref and got off to a great start. I think Ireland will be fine and win in Durban.

[@mikecl8803]

Ireland were damn good, i get tired ofy fellow countryman from 🇿🇦 talk shit, must be this new generation crap, respect every team, remember we have lost to minnow teams too. Rugby is about smashing each other on the field and have a beer and make long lasting friwndships off it.

[@hankscorpion9939]

Agreed. We are all getting tired of some of spite and gloating on social media from some of the "fans". Absolutely no graciousness at all and no need for it. Takes away from a great emerging rivalry between two great teams

[@MMM-28-28]

Complely agree. Modern day keyboard warriors putting a stain on a respectful game

[@kcahill2777]

Agreed, congrats on the win . I lived in midrand 2001-2002 . A bottle of castle was 5 rand . Happy days 🇮🇪🇿🇦

[@DEvilParsnip]

Great game of rugby at the end of a huge season well done everyone.

[@Faust_ZA]

The game went the way it should've a back and forth nailbitter gg to the Irish boys they played well in the fortress

[@paulcostello1807]

Twas a great contest. I thought Lowe was in touch because the ball changed direction whilst his foot was on the ground. I watched it on a telly with terrible reception but I thought the referee was poor. I think Ireland will win in a week

[@paulcostello1807]

Don't mean to denigrate SA it was a superb 2nd half

[@creekyknee]

@@paulcostello1807 Likewise, South Africa won the game fair and square and deserve the plaudits. But, the ref was atrocious.

[@truthbetold8233]

I think the bomb squad replacements actually screwed with our momentum. I think especially Siya but also players like Eben and Malherbe seemed to be finding some form out there just before being taken off. And hindsight is obviously 20/20 but probably could have brought on Sacha earlier. Not at all convincing but great game.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

They could have brought on Sasha around the 30 minute mark. If Pollard had done what Pollard was brought in to do, we would have been at 63 minutes with a 14 point lead, not 5. Lowe's try not overturned when Pollard missed the tackle, Kolbe doesn't get to the touch finder that Pollard missed, that's a 12-14 point swing and we lose the game. Now imagine if that was Manie... Agree on the timing of the replacements. Could have backfired.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

@@truthbetold8233 I think Rassie is being careful with Sacha. If one of the old heads like Handré, Willie, Eben or Siya makes a mistake that costs us the game, you know that they will bounce back. They've all made mistakes before and they've all shown that they can come back from them. Sacha is just 22. Him potentially making a mistake that costs is the game might really hurt his confidence. Rassie is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. Let's all agree that if he decides to have Sacha on the field for five minutes, then Sacha only needed to be on the field for five minutes.

[@jankoekemoer6034]

I agree. There is one change that made a sygnificant change in the scrum..... I wonder who that can be. Probably the oke that scrummed Lynster to smithereens. Or maybe not hey.

[@ruairiosullivan3763]

Kudos for staying up for this

[@thudeshreenaidoo3330]

Stunning match! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Thrilled for the win 🇿🇦 But Ireland, came to play man 🤩

[@olivernyhan2740]

Final score is an accurate reflection I think, was worried about not having JGP and Keenan but Casey was great and Osborne settled in well. Felt like it was a few really stupid mistakes on our part that decided the game, but SA didn’t make those mistakes, and that’s why they’re world champs, happy we showed a bit of fight though, hopefully we start better next week

[@StaalBurgher0]

Both teams had some soft and nervy moments. Hard to judge how things will change in 2nd Test as both teams have things to improve.

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

Disagree, at least one of those tries should have stood

[@olivernyhan2740]

@@Pfessor_Moriarty I mean I think they both were harsh but by the letter of the law were fair. But think the Kolbe try the ball was in touch, but either way, that was a mistake, either by Lowe to go for it or by the others to not be ready for it. And again when Lowe touches the ball and gives them a 5 metre scrum when if he and let it go would’ve been a scrum to us on halfway. You don’t make those kind of mistakes against teams like SA and win. It reminds me a lot of watching Munster tbh, we play very well and really work hard to create great chances, but we make mistakes and when the other team scores it looks incredibly easy. I don’t think there’s much to be worried about, was a real fight against probably the best team in the world, and blooded some players in areas we will need depth, that’s what these tours are for and I think as long as we improve next week, no matter the result we can be happy we are progressing

[@siphesihleoliphant8734]

You are too quick with these post match reviews 😂 that scrum penalty try is still replaying in my head 🔥💣

[@johngarveyire]

No complaints about the reffing, or any cyincal play I guess , intruptions in the game only player safety, good flow, no nasty stuff, hard playing, no complaints. How all players who got a knok are ok. Injuries may hur d Ireland next week, missing a couple going in. But no compliants from an Irish man. What a game.

[@fergalohearga9594]

I noticed that when the Boks were able to get the ball wide, they had first passed the ball really deep and the Irish defenders were sucked into coming up raggedly to hopefully make a deep tackle ... and then, that created gaps in the scattered defence that the Boks exploited. If we had resisted that and just keep the defensive formation I don't think they would have been able to get those trys.

[@MrRugbylane]

Some frustrations as an Ireland fan but the event lived up to the hype.

[@mikhailswartz]

Mark is 1 dedicated scholar of the game! Love your content man. 👍🏾

[@TwoCentsRugby]

I appreciate that!

[@zeppirl]

The whole Ref team was on another planet. Extremely harsh and extremely blind at times. 3 plentys scores in the first half came off extremely harsh Ref calls. One against Porter and one against Bongi very harsh, and one against an Irish player for not rolling away when De clerk had him pinned down with his knees full bodyweight, the guy couldn't move!!!. The massive forward pass from the Boks in the first half could be seen from space but not the ref or lines man 10ft away. The result was fair from what the Ref aloud be played by both teams and congrats to the Boks on the win. Ireland well fought but that plenty try just shouldnt be happening at this level.

[@XxBaDmAn99xX]

on the klerk penalty that is always going to be a penalty as he affected the quick ball and was obstructing the half back and any potential players coming into the ruck - though klerk milked that as a lot of 9’s do

[@zeppirl]

@@XxBaDmAn99xX it was impossible for him to win in that position if he tried move with De klerk on him (klerk went in and off his feet btw to pin the player while grabbing the ball) it would have also been called because he was over the line of play and also probably be called for interfering play or blocking a Bok. Literally a no win scenario for the guy and imo the ref should seen that and told him not to move till the ball was clear. Very harsh by the ref imo.

[@StaalBurgher0]

Ref made 1 or 2 harsh calls but mostly it was very good.

[@creekyknee]

I agree. The ref was useless, he must have been mentored by Wayne Barnes, so obviously anti-Irish. And he wasn't even good at hiding it. Not to take away from a great SA victory but the ref was a complete disgrace.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@StaalBurgher0 I am not even going to try to hide the fact that I was laughing my ass off when the try was disallowed because Ireland did what they did when they scored the winning try in Dublin in 2022. However, that, and Kolbe doing Kolbe things, managed to hide a couple of Pollard errors that could easily have cost us the game. That is a worry!

[@come_on_munster]

SA seemed to win every collision. Even their backs often overpowered our forwards. The power is so impressive. Kicking from both sides wasn't at their best. Doris played ok, Beirne and JVDF and Lowe were ok too, but I'm surprised SA didn't win by more. That last scrum has me VERY worried for next week.

[@paulnash5500]

Ireland will win next week. I'm very confident.

[@ContendformyFaith]

​@paulnash5500 Now your just popping smoke mate

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

What game were you watching?

[@MrPedrojohnston]

SA were good today for 60 mins. Should have had us dead and buried. Ireland did well but spilled chances to make things more awkward for them. You are always going to be playing against the team and the ref on a tour and we should know that… but fu3k having English refs in these matches.

[@jadenphilander8799]

We were on the beach and caught off guard after 60 min.

[@StaalBurgher0]

The TMO made 100% correct calls. The Kolbe was lucky that they could not disprove it but it did come from a risky move by Lowe. You cant really complain about that.

[@Driver2616]

@@StaalBurgher0. : No problems here with SA winning this game. Well deserved. Ireland overall through the full 80 minutes didn’t do enough to win that game or even force a draw. No further discussion on that aspect is required. But at this top level of the game it’s not too much to expect competent officials. They weren’t competent in this game. TMO had a shocker. Ref was too much up his own arse.

[@StaalBurgher0]

@@fallschirmjager0000 Yes they definitely did review Doris' try. I literally watched them review it. You could not see it touching the ground. Louw's try also clearly came after the ball was scooped backwards by an Irish player off his feet. You guys are just used to getting away with this for so long. Just like Aki got away with collapsing the last maul in Paris by going in from the side. Think Lowe also scored in Dublin after an Irish player kicked ball out of a ruck while off his feet. This has been going on for a while. About time TMOs are used correctly.

[@jackdeegan3617]

​@@StaalBurgher0The neck roll on Kellerher happened before he went near the ball. At the very least it should have been a penalty for Ireland.

[@chrismouton1985]

This was a great match! I think South Africa will be quite frustrated that they didn't manage to capitalize from Ireland's mistakes. They were clearly the dominant team and yet Ireland kept fighting. Looking forward to the next test!

[@benjaminmuller9473]

Not making any of the observations in comments seem prejudiced, but clearly some of the calls today could have been left without constant tmo intervention. Its time we have less tmo and more on field run of play officiating. Also, massive ups to you Mark doing these reviews with your lack of sleep!!

[@MarkKerrigan-se6st]

Agreed. If TMO hadn’t been used, score would have been 27-27 which would have been a fairer reflection of the game. 👍

[@StaalBurgher0]

Rubbish TMO enhanced the game. Prevented Ireland sneaking another illegal try with ruck shenanigans.

[@cateym]

​@@StaalBurgher0😂😂

[@SekuruJohan]

Ok I have to say, that DJ playing Zombie/Rassie after the final whistle really annoyed me. It was embarrassing. Winning is great, rubbing it in like that immediately is just poor. Am I wrong in this? I genuinely think that puts us in a bad light

[@MMM-28-28]

Yea it was tasteless

[@ChristopherRensburg]

Nah I don't think it's that deep. I thought the DJ playing a medley of upbeat dance songs while Casey was knocked out receiving treatment was probably worse.

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

Not really tasteless but the DJ and crowd were while Casey was out. That left a sour taste tbh

[@electric_being_bliss]

South African can be rootless, they don’t care. Our player (Casey) was knocked out and then they start to play South African highlights as if nothing had happened and we aren’t important in their show. They then try degrade us with their own version of zombie in a passive way. "We rise above that, our ancient spirit is much more above than any of this“

[@paulnash5500]

Well done SA 👏 great game. I think Ireland will be a lot better next week. Sea level will help and a bit of the geen. I hope 🙏

[@Camcolito]

Well done SA. Proud of our boys for never going away under massive pressure.

[@SMacCuUladh]

and having a try disallowed for ireland that should have stood (like thew RWC final) and a try that shouldn't have stood allowed. You guys cry constantly about refs giving it to you bad, today was ridiculous.

[@jadenphilander8799]

​@@SMacCuUladhNah..It was never a try.

[@Camcolito]

@@SMacCuUladh I'm Irish. Be gracious in defeat, nothing in those decisions, swings and roundabouts.

[@JamestonBoi]

​@@SMacCuUladhThe disallowed try was the correct call. Why do ya'll always make excuses and blame the ref and TMO? Just accept the boks were better.

[@JamestonBoi]

​@@SMacCuUladhAlso, that's fucking rich to say South Africans complain about the ref when you guys did the entire WC. Lemme guess France, England, Ireland and wales where screwed by bad refs and TMOs?

[@gezzarandom]

Talk about inches, two moments of hesitation cost us dearly, oh well onto next weekend.

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Fair game and good ref. Both sides made errors. Irish very good but relieved Springboks won.

[@kevincallaghan3212]

Good Ref you joking??

[@christianmccann9400]

​@kyou won mate give it a rest evincallaghan3212

[@Pfessor_Moriarty]

Good ref? You must have been watching a different game

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Sorry guys not a rugby expert. I take note of comments and then agree with you all, the ref was not good. Thanks for advice on my comment. Looking forward to Durban test at my home ground.

[@lahawla7233]

South Africa looking to add a very expansive game to their repertoire, three-peat might be on the cards

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Yeah man how sexy were some of those plays!?

[@Kbyr083]

After the sun set nobody could get the ball over the polls.😂 Go Bokke!

[@daviddempster8717]

Great battle and competitive to the end🇿🇦

[@april-tui3524]

Stressful watch! Great match through, both teams were pretty awesome on defence. Well done South Africa.

[@randomuruk7230]

Ireland were horrific

[@South_Affy]

Hey congrats to New Zealand’s win. Good ONE ☝️!

[@christianmccann9400]

Wrong game mate lol

[@4Q_4Q2]

New Zealand was gifted that game. Ref was shocking

[@ChristopherRensburg]

@@christianmccann9400 Let the man have his win😀

[@YOYOTh1s]

Good quick great video there Mark! Go to bed! To my Irish friends, I sincerely apologise for the war crime we committed with that torturous, cringeworthy Zombie remix by Radio Raps. I can't...

[@aleccastro4761]

agreed - I cringe every time I hear my fellow Saffas sing it. Feels colonial to try take another team's song.

[@hankscorpion9939]

Especially when you know what the song is about. Pretty tactless

[@kcahill2777]

😂

[@aleccastro4761]

@@hankscorpion9939 agreed - though I can tell you 99% of those singing wouldn't even know which part of Ireland Ulster is in - education isn't our strong point sadly!

[@TwoCentsRugby]

Lol man they are really doubling down with Zombie in SA now aye😅

[@bigmac201]

Great to see some repsecot between SA and Ire fans these days.

[@South_Affy]

Springboks seemed just a tad rusty. But well done Springboks.

[@raymondsherry2330]

Ireland looked just a shade tired after a very long season

[@South_Affy]

@@raymondsherry2330 Yeah it’s been a long season for sure.