There is 'nothing new' in the way South Africa play knockout rugby | WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUGBY

The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley and former Leinster and Connacht out-half Andy Dunne joined Joe Molloy to discuss South Africa's World Cup win.
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[@BruceMacgregorCampbell]

Our defence IS an attack. We attack the ball carrier.We attack the advantage line more than the ball carriers do. We smash them way behind it. We attack their put -in at the scrum. We attack their driving mauls, we attack the break downs. When our opponents wilt under that pressure and make mistakes we attack the try line. Think of those Arendse, Kolbe, D'Allende, Snyman , Elizabedi trys. How close was Jesse Kriel to scooping up that ball and heading to the tryline after PSDT smoked Jordie in That Tackle? "Boring" the detractors moan - no its intriguing, riveting, edge of the seat stuff. Our defence creates point scoring opportunities. Our Bok style is strangle, subdue, strike. And its beautiful.

[@surfsnow1371]

Absolute poetry in massive motion...

[@andy_olive]

And I don’t understand why it’s so hard to comprehended… I love watching teams losing 10 - 20 meters just from the oppressing defense. Panic sets in, eyes go wide, decisions are rushed and mistakes are made. It’s gorgeous

[@glen1482]

@@andy_olive But it's not super rugby basketball bru 😂

[@andy_olive]

@@glen1482 yeah man way more fun to put 90 points on Italy ;)

[@JOATMOFA]

@user-xj5ks9yj8n You are indeed a wordsmith / wordmonger - well said ! Touche'!

[@oldman774]

South Africa were behind 25-19 to France on the 67th minute and went to score a try and pebalty to win the match, they were behind 15-6 to England at 73 minutes and went to score a try and penalty to win the match. If they went behing in the final, what do you think they would have done?

[@user-fp6rn2km4i]

these guys are fools. and when NZ had 15 players on the field, SA got half or most of their points. (so, teams adapt their play depending on circumstances) Not mentioning the fact that Mbonambi went off after 2 mins. excuse makers.

[@macg5296]

I don't think people understand how dangerous a team is if they can win from that part... also they don't understand that winning ugly the week before gave the boks an extra edge because they knew they can win as long as the 80th min is still not on

[@leslie_sharpe]

SA’s scrambling defence in the French game was as exciting and interesting as any attacking display I’ve ever watch. They also scored more tries than the French in that game. Irish and NZ desperate to disparage Boks rugby. Clear to see.

[@mnothokhuluse1853]

You sir are a very smart man! 🔥💯

[@waynerockman1242]

They will never understand but non the less SA win the wcup!!

[@Evan-fr6dv]

Sour grapes disguised as balanced conversation. South Africa was the most exciting team at the world cup. Listen carefully and you guys might make out of the quarters one day: +Didn't see Dupont or any of the 'guardians of astetic' do a no look cross kick to the wing to score a sublime try + Kolbe's pick up off Kriels grubber + -being involved in 2 of the greatest games of all time. And all posturing aside, a final of Hitchcockian suspense. Unrivalled. It goes like this: every team has just their one best game to give at the world cup.That's all, after that you have to fight your way out of the trenches. Ireland spent their best on south Africa. New Zealand spent theirs on Ireland. Ireland, Once you've spent the team's gusto, if you don't have a.big serve to rely on , like many male tennis players - and whose pundits don't say (is it just a crap sport'. Or a mike Tyson left hook. Or a springbok set piece then you ain't gonna make it. South Africa played their best game against France. Kolbe's charge down. Boring? The different bench splits ..boring? The big hits...boring. By focusing on an aspect of beauty you've missed the real beauty. That was an absolute marvel of a campaign. There's no team that has ever been as adaptable, a world cup with the greatest french and Irish teams of all time. A pool draw that dragged the springboks through every trench and ignored your longing for fairytales. Now your blaming the rules of rugby? Well, good luck. -England spent their best on south africa and were lauded for the game of rugby they played. Praised for playing a springbok style of rugby thats since becaome just 1 aspect of the springboks style....and called brave. Just bow down

[@BooklessT]

When the history books are written, I doubt there will be many chapters titled "They played the pretty rugby but went home with no medals". If pretty rugby was the deciding factor then the pacific islanders would have had their names on the cup. Across all sports, in the knockout situation, you stay within the rules and adopt the strategy that will win. Exactly what SA did. I'd agree with the comment that there's a whole pile of sour grapes in there...................

[@BanzLanda86]

Reminds me of how soccer disliked the German football team because they were cold and calculating and played KO footie to win tournaments. Against for example, we played brilliant rugby by countering what the are good at and outscored them 4 tries to 3. Having a reliable goal kicker and defence wins you championship. How do I know this? The Boks have only conceded one try in four finals!

[@uSbusiso_]

I still enjoy watching them sulk 😂😂😂 it's why I'm still here 🍿

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

My God, these guys have suddenly woken up to the fact that knock out rugby is completely different to pool rugby.

[@LeMerch]

My god, another condescending comment.

[@surfsnow1371]

@@LeMerch not wrong though

[@glen1482]

@@LeMerch Dear lord, but he's right 🤣

[@LeMerch]

How? Ireland lost by a tint margin - it could have gone either way which is what happens in KO rugby. Don't be so condescending. @@glen1482

[@JoshuaBallinger]

Stop complaining let’s be honest. This kicking, forward dominance performances that have been happening are not destroying the game it’s how the game can be played and has been played like this for years.

[@anthonymokootherock1362]

People tend to discredit south Africa, mostly pundits,South Africa a a very smart and intelligent team, probably better than most,they read game situations better than the rest,unlike Ireland and maybe France, they know what to do next,they came from behind and beat France, red cards by their very nature tends to galvanize teams, at 15 all before Cane was sent off,south Africa had parity,its not as if new Zealand were dominating, case in point, last year when Pieter-steph was send off against France in Paris, they lost by 4 points with a contentious try for the French towards, point is,teams play differently when they are a player down, another example, England against Argentina this world cup, but south Africa are good front runners, they hardly ever surrender a lead,we can't say with certainty that the All blacks would have won had it been 15 on 15.Fact is the Springboks win and win when it matters, they might not like how tgey do things but they are a great side,who will always be contenders for the rugby world cup, participated in few tournaments than all tier one countries but won it the most,so that has to say something about their resolve and intelligence of the game, they are a great side,i don't see the point of trying to discredit them by always bringing the previous All black sides into the equation when they do well, winning back to back world cups away from home surely has to count for something and having played whom they have played against as well, that was the hardest route to victory in the history of the tournament to win it,the most competitive world cup tournament there's ever been in all the editions of the tournament and still people think they were not worthy? Wow, Ireland are yet to win a world cup knock out match but their pundits think they know it all,wow.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Why are you listening to Irish podcasts then fool.

[@NevilleMiddleton]

What about the Boks "nearly tries", over the line and held up and then Arendse diving and coming within a whisker of scoring, both just after half time. Ifs ands and buts they all are, the history says four WC's to the Boks from eight attempts.

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

The ignorance is mindboggling. It was RAINING people. It doesn't matter how admirable it is to attempt it, trying to play rugby that isn't suited to wet weather is just silly, will never change. Nothing about how 'Boks' play. You play to the conditions, the field, the situation. Nothing more to it. What I find especially frustrating is the total lack of any appreciation of the impact of the injury to Bongi to Boks overall game especially the 2nd half. Ignorance is bliss I guess.

[@daaichommie708]

Also, the Boks were on top of NZ in the opening half an hour when it was 15 vs 15. No oversees pundits mention that. The Boks took their foot off the pedal when NZ went a man down because they saw it as a defensive game from there out. IF NZ went ahead at some point in the game then the Boks would have changed their attitude, like they did against the French when they were 6 points behind and against the Poms when they realised they needed to inject something urgently.

[@bodhid]

Ireland actually played their final against NZ like a team who weren't familiar with being there. They kept playing the same predictable routines running into a wall. The AB's, SA and England have been in lots of finals and for that reason understand that 'earning it' is nonsense; you simply do what you have to do to win. Ireland can be forgiven naivety as they simply haven't got the experience to fall back on and went into it thinking 'if we play our best stuff we'll win'. Rarely is that the case.

[@irenetmarks8816]

😂

[@paulmallon9292]

Careful guys. He's armed with emojis.

[@LeMerch]

This comment makes no sense considering the fact that if the held up try Ireland had almost scored (INCHES away) then you'd be saying something completely different. Thats the MARGINS of this game at the top level. Ireland played THEIR game. NZ played their game and in fairness to them, they played the best game they've had in YEARS and just scrapped by. Your comment is one of those really condescending ones that ignore all the good positive things this Irish team have brought to the game and downplay them as being naïve. Condescending comments like this deserve to be called out and told they are uneducated about the game - try be a better more understanding person who knows the game, instead of a surface level person who uses condescending remarks to try make themselves look like they are making a valid point.

[@bengormley2517]

right on the money@@LeMerch

[@allywood1015]

Boks would have played different if they went behind, they were never in that situation so backed their defense. To say if this decision or that conversion would have made the difference to the outcome is forgetting the great Bok comebacks in this WC when they changed tack because they were chasing the game, so its not as clear-cut to say they would have lost.

[@davidshekleton9908]

Agreed 100%. I also don't see anybody making a comment that if one of our four attempts at drop goals went through We would have won by more..🤔

[@coenraadkruger2498]

elke punt wat aan ge teken word verander die verloop van die spel

[@kristian762]

Knockout rugby is only every 4 years. We can chuck the ball around in between, when it doesn't really matter

[@matthewtheron2505]

That's exactly what Rassie said not too long ago.

[@johanharmse9679]

I think heard the word "if" 20 times in 3 minutes! Sounds like you are proposing that the team that passes the most and tackles the least should be crowned WC champions! My mates and I are getting giddy with exitement, surely Rassie and Jacques will pick the whole Modderrivier weekend touchies side for 2027 WC. Step aside PSDT,Jasper, Eben, Bongi, Siya here we come!

[@marekmayer]

🤣

[@johnjames6620]

When he says the losing team was ahead on all the stats, he leaves out one very important stat which is tackles made!

[@markshields5883]

You play to win the best way possible and South Africa does that better than anyone

[@LeMerch]

except against Ireland.

[@LeMerch]

I think for FANS this was the best world cup ever. So many fun games, edge of the seat games and WTF moments to cling onto. The Big4 teams could have won it and SA are some team after beating 2/3 of them. Imagine the next world cup. I'm HOPING by then England get their act together. Argentina step back up. Japan progress and come back as a top team and Australia come back to the top table. Imagine if all the big T1 teams had a golden era at the same time... holy hell. Rugby is honestly the best sport in the world I can't get enough of it.

[@chrisnel5505]

You want running around watch sevens. You want drama watch the Boks.

[@theroogie]

What do the Boks need to get respect around here. We outscored France with tries, expansive rugby against Scotland, Defended the All Blacks out of the game. Played a rainy game against England who were lauded for playing a better simple game than us. We played all types of rugby and better than anyone else.

[@matthewtheron2505]

We can forget about the boks getting respect from some of these pundits. Boks were great throughout most of the tournament.

[@wewhofly]

You have respect. The criticisms are called envy. Relax, Enjoy. Have fun. Envy is respect in the language of rugby.

[@LeMerch]

Lost to Ireland :D forgot to mention that so want to help.

[@surfsnow1371]

@@LeMerch All part of the plan ;)

[@hotspur8268]

@@LeMerch Lost to Ireland in a pool match. Never lost to Ireland in a high pressurized match that mattered most e.g. a WC Final, Semi-final or Quarter-final. Come to think about it Ireland have never beaten anybody in this type of match ever.

[@diepadda]

With Bongi getting injured and going off - that really effected the line out for the boks which then did not function at all. Boks had to to adapt and find another way. Take all points of the tee and then afterwards, go for as many drop goal opportunities as possible

[@glenfichardt3930]

We never know how events impact the future but I would have loved this game to have been played with Bongi and Sam on for the full 80. NZ with a pack of 8 forwards and SA with their usual scrum and lineout would have been even more of a classic.

[@ChrisBrown-or8ky]

Played in the afternoon in mild spring sunshine with a lovely cooling breeze refereed by the baby Jesus 😉

[@TheJunglecrab]

@@ChrisBrown-or8kyLMAO!!😂😂😂

[@xolamzimqhayi6796]

Finally, OTB Rugby bring rugby pundits to the studio. Gerry and Andy know Rugby very well....Give us full episode.

[@MeiA-h9r]

Yeah finally, instead of Gilroy and that leprechaun annoying Saffas all the time

[@xolamzimqhayi6796]

@@MeiA-h9r Exactly

[@daggaboom]

I really hope we play kak starting January 2026 till start of next World Cup. I love hearing about how lucky we are when we win. World cups are coin flips for whether we win or not.

[@JOATMOFA]

*PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE* Ireland, don't give up on rugby now !!! I am a Springbok fan, but I can tell you in my 57 years of watching rugby I have *NEVER* seen such a good Ireland side! Just a tweak here and there and Ireland will rise to the apex of rugby glory!

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Thanks mate, we need to keep on improving and adding to the way we play. The ABs deserved their win for sure and probably played their best game of the tournament against us but Ireland were in the game right until the end and could have snatched it. We were always going to lose a game eventually, just a pity it was in the QF that's all. The last five years has seen a massive improvement in Irish rugby, but we are only really babies at this level. We need to grow and pain is necessary for that growth.

[@velevgv]

Are you sure? Unless Ireland clones players like HP, FdK and Co (in other words, players with BMT, the team will continue being "Q final virgins". Like it or not, this is how I see it, at this point of time.

[@Jay-Leigh863]

@@neilmontgomery3470 there's a lot of development potential still in the Ireland side and four years to do it in. Farrell is a great coach and Ireland are a world class team. I really believe Ireland and France are going to be the teams to beat going forward and it's a toss up as to which one takes the next world cup. NZ are in the strangely unique position of being the unknown factor simply because they've lost a lot of stalwarts and nobody really knows how Razor is going to do as he literally starts from scratch. They will always be a serious threat but I believe the Ireland and France squads are ahead of them currently. I'm a blood is green Springboks supporter but I take note of the finer points in the games and what the teams bring and I've just written my honest opinion on the state of world rugby.

[@Pltjr33]

Great comments about playing knock out rugby! That is what the WORLD CUP is all about - winning the game. No points for playing fancy rugby. That’s what you do ‘between’ WORLD CUPS’😂

[@jeremybehrmann9051]

The only reason the All Blacks got back into the game was because of the red card. The springboks dominated that first half and the card forced them to think again and galvanised their spirit. Once SA had the lead we went further into defensive mode and clinging to a lead which almost cost us but we hung on.

[@DivinaeMisericordiae77]

The ABz were on the back foot from the 2nd minute. Then when Frizell came back on we had 15 minutes until Sam went off. It was just an uphill battle all game. Rugby is over officiated. It would have been a different game if it was played 4 years ago. They need to stop the bunker system. The on field ref is the boss and should only call on the TMO when needed.

[@stevecoffey1637]

I love the way Ireland played. To all Irish fans please read this for perspective. Ireland was one of only 5 teams in 120 years to win a series in NZ. World Cups come and go. This achievement should and will be forever cherished. Andy Farrell will always be known as the coach that achieved this. With the start of the Scott Robertson reign good luck to any time trying to repeat this remarkable achievement any time soon! Well done, Ireland.

[@surfsnow1371]

Sorry but Ireland were one dimensional and predictable in that 1/4 final, They kept playing the same predictable routines but by all means cherish that series win. Scott Robertson is still going to need to find 2 tight 5 packs to compete with the big boys and coaching only gets you so far.

[@johnjames6620]

Why the need to minimize the RWC? I guess because Ireland never gets past the quarter-finals?

[@willemsteyn7808]

Cane's red card was the worst thing that could have happened to SA. They stopped playing and NZ started playing with an attitude of nothing-to-lose. I think SA would have had an easier win if NZ did not get the red card. Fact remains NZ lost and they never had the lead even for 1 second in that game, with 15 or after they went down to 14. SA had the lead from the 3rd minute until the end. NZ should work on their discipline, they simply picked up where they left off at Twickenham. Also need to practice some goalkicking when under pressure.

[@claytonhorn7195]

Tears from the north. They lost because they dont deserve it, this is irelands first heart break because its the first time they were contenders. How many times have the Abs or SA had their hearts broken because they are always contenders. Earn it, and get some depth.

[@johnjames6620]

Actually we heard the same story from Ireland in 2019!

[@rodwellchigome7567]

Give SA a lead, you lose. If they're playing catch up, then you see the best of their running game. Who's this guy betting his house on NZ to win after that try? Didn't he watch SA come back and steal it from the death the week before?

[@Karma-qt4ji]

They went back for a penalty and scored 2 minutes later in the same place. Would not have made that much difference at all.

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

Let's just ignore the rain guys, no biggy... Absolute hacks. As many others stated, Boks put the ball to the corner for a try to win again France. Memory of a goldfish the lot of you. A reminder to the goldfish: Semi and Final, both games, it was RAINING. You dont adapt to conditions at your own peril, something ABs seem incapable of learning after countless times come back to bite them.

[@djalexns7]

The boks famously protect a lead instead of pushing on.... thats one of our gripes in SA. Had we been behind we would have approached the end differently. You could argue that had Siya passed the boks would have scored and buried that game anyway. Too many what ifs in these discussions.

[@wewhofly]

'What ifs' are the only predictable part of the aftermath of big games and big competitions. Fans love the 'what ifs'. It keeps the chat going.... Don't knock it. Now, - what if SA lost two players to red cards, one to concussion, two to an empty tank and one to an ex-girlfriend coming onto the field with a handbag looking for vengeance? Now, you can't very well claim you'd a still won under those circumstances? Discuss..............

[@daaichommie708]

@@wewhofly A game evolves in real time. It is what it is, and while 'what ifs' are a fans way of dealing with the pain of losing, its all a hind sight farse. You cannot say 'If" NZ got a conversion, they would have won, or IF NZ didnt get a red, they would have won. The Boks have shown that when they needed to, and the situation was desperate, they could score. Like they did when they were behind against an exceptionally good French team (Best team of the WC for me), and in the gritty game against the Poms. What If's don't matter. For every what if, theres a counter what if. What if NZ scored a conversion and went a point ahead? The Boks, like theyve shown, would have likely turned up the pressure. As said, the game evolves in real time. And in real time, the Kiwis lost. End of story, there is another chance in 2027. If SA faced those "what if's that you mentioned (2 red cards, 1 concussion etc...) Then they would have likely lost. But again, the game would have evolved as a result and we will never know... What pundits like to not mention is that SA were on top of NZ when it was 15 vs 15. It was only when NZ went a man down that the Boks took their foot off of the offensive pressure. So one could easily counter argue that IF NZ didnt get a red, would the Boks have won by a bigger score?...

[@wewhofly]

Thanks for the lengthy response. But all I can say is, my comment was very much a joke. My only serious point was that fans have always and will continue to.....'what if...' the aftermath of all games.@@daaichommie708

[@annaclaytowaterson8283]

If you think that NZ would have won that game if there were no cards meaning Mbonambi doesn’t go off, you’re deluded. This SA team is levels above any other team in ability to win games in different ways. Can we also get a word for the NZ try that was awarded because it was deemed to have hit the SA player’s hand when it was nowhere near it and was clearly forward?

[@markrutherford6010]

It was 14 players Vs 15 for most of that game.The All Blacks score two tries. If wasn’t for that busy body TMO guy Tom Foley you would of lost. You beat good All Black team by single point.It was hollow victory 14 plays 15. In my country we very bitter about the TMO guy.If the shoe was on the other foot I know South Africans would be exactly the same.

[@annaclaytowaterson8283]

@@markrutherford6010 You scored 2 tries? You realise the disallowed one was for a knock on that the TMO reviewed, and that the other was a forward pass that they say came off a SA hand but replays show the SA player’s hand nowhere near the ball, right? The fact that they said it was off a SA hand indicates that they were comfortable that the ball did in fact go forward. I’m confused though, are you still expecting referees to look the other way as they have done for who knows how long when it comes to NZ?

[@surfsnow1371]

@@markrutherford6010 I seem to remember the BOKS pumping the hapless All Bleaks at Twickenham before the world cup, and if Frizzell hadn't taken Bongi out it would have been a repeat thrashing. We OWNED you in that final with our 3rd choice hooker and it's eating you alive....and we are loving every minute of your salty tears.

[@markrutherford6010]

@@surfsnow1371 Rubbish!! You won the practice game at twickenham. But we smashed at Auckland so what are going on about. Fritzell didn’t deliberately target your hooker.That shouldn’t been yellow card. Spin how you like the TMO guy Tom Foley gave you guys arm chair ride. And you still only won by a single point.If shoe was on the other foot and TMO guy crucified the Springboks. I know South Africans would complain like there no tomorrow. The man of the match Tom Foley of the TMO.The best team of the day the All Blacks!!

[@glen1482]

@@markrutherford6010 You actually scored no tries, also Frizell should be banned for life after what he did. You deserved to lose and when the Boks are at their best you are currently not good enough. You should have lost by a lot more.

[@shaankeegan4555]

Finally some sense is spoken, let's be clear, France kicks more than SA, yet commentators are like broken records. False positive on world ranking, not enough challenges and rotation with other stronger teams. France and Ireland, great, not good in a knockout environment. Furthermore, in 1995 we were an unceded team to win a world cup. Rankings don't count, neither does form, we as Saffers, we not in form in 2019. Nor where NZ, England in this world cup. Pay attention to details, the count.

[@theofilusbouwer3430]

2011 world cup final was most boring of all the world cup finals with All blacks at home Vs france only scoring 1 try.score all blacks 8 to france 7. So what are these All black fan boys getting at?

[@kurtkachidza3613]

I watched that 2011 World Cup final and I think you’re being disingenuous here. That final was anything but boring. Low scoring yes, but boring? NO. The two teams played attacking rugby because their style is almost the same so it was exhilarating. You’re the first person I know who said that was boring and I’m guessing you’re South African and want to diminish New Zealand, which seems to be the MO of many South Africans lately.

[@kristian762]

​@kurtkachidza3613 hold on there. Its only a select few SA fans, don't tar us all with the same brush, please and thank you. However, that number may be growing slightly in response to all the negativity surrounding the Bok world cup victory. Makes us proud South Africans get a bit defensive.

[@theofilusbouwer3430]

@@kurtkachidza3613 No all blacks pundits and Steve hansen aswell as these Irish pundits (all black fan boys) Said that 2023 final was terrible advertising for rugby and was boks fault all of them are ignoring the bad wheater conditions so I am just pointing out that 2011 was same

[@kurtkachidza3613]

@@kristian762 My apologies Kristian. I stand corrected my good sir. Haters gonna hate. I’m an All Blacks fan and honestly the only problem I had with that game was inconsistent officiating and excessive TMO use and NOT the Boks. The Boks may well have won anyway so I’m good with that. I just happen to see a lot of nonsense lately from certain sections of Boks fans. My thing is this: you won and just enjoy being World Champions for four years NOT take it as am occasion to diminish the accomplishments of the All Blacks.

[@kurtkachidza3613]

@@theofilusbouwer3430 I believe they are talking about the excessive TMO use mainly and the officiating, not necessarily the Boks. I’m an All Blacks fan myself, and I wouldn’t diminish the accomplishments of the Boks because of their style of play. That would be puerile. Besides, haters gonna hate so why not just enjoy the win for four more years and ignore the haters. No matter what they say, South Africa will be recognized as RWC 2023 champs and that isn’t changing.

[@thegulagarchipelago5921]

Never been a fan of Springbok rugby have you now Brain!!!

[@Stephen-jx1hz]

In the final it was the team with the most dominant tackles that won. That is one of the most entertaining metrics in the game of rugby. There are more greatest hits compilation rugby videos on KZbin than there are greatest tries videos. Truth is this: The most entertaining team won the World Cup.

[@MrFarr007]

If you consider the quarter finals, NZ v Ireland was the best game I have seen until, France v South Africa. Then England v South Africa wasnt as good as the quarter final games, but it was edge of the seat stuff. Then came the final. Low scoring but it was a clash of two heavy weights going toe to toe, blow for blow. This has been the best world cup so far. The rules of rugby lets you run, ruck, maul, scrum and kick. You cant always have champagne styled rugby. It is the tough, low scoring games that make the game so exciting. Do you want to see blow out games where the tier 1 nations always put 50 plus passed lower tier countries? No, I want to see a game where both teams stand a chance to win the game, and the one who wins deserves their victory because they beat the best. One of the highlights was Portugal vs Fiji. Also a game with 1 point winning margin. But the one thing holding rugby back is World Rugby. They are a joke, considering the biggest change they made is to change the jersey colours so that less than 5% of the world population can recognise the difference between the two teams. The organization that is World Rugby is a joke...

[@theofilusbouwer3430]

Pundits forgetting boks lost our only recognized hooker 2 min into game due to intentional fawl and that disarmed boks lineouts and lineout mauls and Malcolm Marx injured before playoffs.

[@johanharmse9679]

Best pool game in WC ever...Ireland v South Africa. Best game in WC ever...France v South Africa. Best final in WC ever...NZ v South Africa. Connect the dots gents. For a team playing terribly boring, simple rugby South Africa somehow always seems to be in the mix. Could it perhaps mean that you are simply wrong?

[@shaheempashua6924]

South Africa won two world cup trophies Webb Ellis and Ireland's number one ranking world cup trophy😂💦

[@wewhofly]

All we gotta do to get the ranking back is to beat you three times in your own back yard next year. So life is getting easier and easier for Ireland. Enjoy the win. Well deserved.☝

[@LeMerch]

South Africa can't beat Ireland but enjoy your trophy. One day it will be coming back home to Ireland where it belongs. Keep it looking good and polish it often ;) all jokes aside you guys are a fantastic country and people and I'm happy you won. Seeing the team touring around and all the happy kids coming out to see the team, the South African kids are what its all about and it brings joy and unity. Couldn't have been won by a better country and I have so much respect for how you did it. Enjoy!!

[@johnjames6620]

@@LeMerch Are you actually an Irish side? I think not! More like a hybrid side.

[@johnjames6620]

@@wewhofly How will it get easier? Are more imports coming?

[@wewhofly]

That was called heavy irony. The 'easier' bit was actually a compliment about how Hard it will be to get 1 never mind 3 wins. But carry on, take offense. The world has moved on and got a lot more serious. Rugby isn't a high priority anymore in my thoughts @@johnjames6620

[@shaheempashua6924]

If fozzie didn't send Frizzel to take Bongi out in the second minute of the game you wouldn't be talking so much smack old man They knew exactly what they were doing and it almost worked if not for the best defense in the history of the game 4 finals 4 wins 2 back to back away from home only one try conceded 🇿🇦❤️

[@lancelouw2763]

That try mind you was also off a forward pass but we’ll let that slide 😂

[@shaheempashua6924]

@@lancelouw2763 exactly we don't need to start crying like some people here on the internet Which we've been hearing for so long that we only do yet every other 4 years we have nations forming WhatsApp groups to cry about the Boks winning yet another Webb Ellis 😂💦 Salut ma se kind

[@johnjames6620]

It seems that it was deliberate. Sacrifice 10 minutes in sin bin to get rid of Bongi. Before the final everyone was speculating on what would happen if Bongi was injured.

[@shaheempashua6924]

@@johnjames6620 it's exactly what they planned and who better than Frizzel or Kane to pull it off They knew very well with Bongi there it's game over nevermind Bongi and Marx these northern hemisphere teams with their world's best team ever would've never came close or won one in the case of Ireland I truly believe that

[@johnjames6620]

@@shaheempashua6924 My nelief is that there are very often reasons for "coincidences" and they mostly don't just come out of nowhere.

[@eduardmurison9358]

Boohoo.....😭....🏆🏆🏆🏆🇿🇦

[@ZakheZikode]

I can never understand how people from Ireland, a team that's never even made a semi final think they can tell us how to play rugby. Make the semis first and maybe you can start talking🙄

[@smartalecc]

Pundits were talking about 'knockout rugby' being this way after we won the WC in 2007 !! It's never been a secret that the only team to win WCs playing ABs rugby, are the ABs themselves. For the rest of us (SA, Ireland, France, England, Wales, Scotland, etc), you need a forward pack that plays like its their last day on earth, the best defence in the comp, a 90% kicker, and SQUAD DEPTH. People looking at the Springboks like something new just happened (talking about France and Ireland now) - the blueprint was always there. Hopefully you guys get the message before 2027. (I'd love to see either of your teams win it btw!)

[@andrewshaw9341]

tackling the attacking team backwards, consistently. It's called offensive defence, more than simply a kicker with rucks.

[@mikeyjslater]

People forget that the Springboks are the best when it comes to hits lol

[@lesterwyoung]

Either team could have won, so the result did not decisively prove the superiority of either team's tactics. The 'Boks had the luck, and good on them. On another day luck could favour the ABs.

[@marcellvanrooyen921]

3 games by 1 point is not serendipity. Its excellent game management and making the right decisions when it counts

[@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 !

[@francisplatt93]

It seems that the closer the games - the more to discuss!

[@peacefulheart1431]

The stats matter!🇿🇦

[@MooLaa-e1s]

Bok defense is not defense as in defense. It's in the BOKS case OFFENSIVE DEFENSE.

[@willieexplore]

If you don't like conservative, winning rugby, go and watch rugby league. The different styles in union is what make the sport appealing.

[@xolilemacingwane9377]

In professional sports, you have got to figure out how to beat a team that relies on a certain strength instead of complaining how they play

[@sportrocdoc2237]

The thing is you are not seeing the flip side that the Springboks would have changed their approach depending on what happened. I don't think you can say if only then...

[@vineshnaidoo9402]

Defense wins games....Attack dictates the scoreline...Boks are now Goat...ViVa Mzansi

[@Mr-Litch]

Wat a fool to think that you can just predict the outcome of that game.. just like you predicted England would win in the 76th min. If you really knew anything youd know that top teams galvanize even more with a man down hence NZ were nowhere in the first 25 minof the game with 15 v 15 and the try they scored was a knock on and if NZ got ahead SA would have found a way to win as they do.

[@high-commisioner1954]

This is what I was saying and some people start calling it cope. After the red card to the captain, NZ really started to play because they knew that sitting back will guarantee them a loss

[@kevinewert8546]

"I don't know if this is good for the game" - well, it's obviously not good for the Irish game, but on all metrics this has been the most popular RWC in history. It has been the most attended, most talked about and most watched rugby event of all time. Rugby is in rude health so, as much as your concern is appreciated, its probably better if you direct that concern towards something broken, like how Ireland can't get past a quarterfinal.

[@DD-RSA]

You guys need to learn that there is a thing called beautiful Defense. Just as beautiful as Attack. Boks are the best components of this. That's why we have 4.

[@johnjames6620]

There is a lot more that can be added to give a balanced account: 1. When a team plays dirty they often many benefits when the dirty play is not noticed or penalized and these benefits need to weighed against the effects of a red or yellow card. 2. NZ's dirty play resulted in SA losing their only dedicated hooker. Does a yellow card make up for this loss? 3. SA received 2 yellow cards in the second half which went some say to off-set NZ's red card. 4. If the panel wants to make a big deal of the NZ missed kicks in the final then they should do the same with SA's missed kicks in their Irish game. 5. It was not only NZ that missed try opportunities in the final. Siya failed to pass when there was a 50 / 50 try opportunity for SA.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

I disagree regarding the Aaron Smith try potentially being the difference between winning and losing, purely because they went back for a penalty that lead to a try in the same location 2 minutes later. Apart from that, well said.

[@rob-kiwi3997]

Awesome perspective. 👌

[@JoburgJoller-e9o]

There's this misconception that South Africa plays for the rest of the world's acceptance, we have enough to deal with here

[@daviddorfan9023]

For all your whining , I thought this world cup was easily the best. When have you seen a better weekend of rugby , than the quarter final weekend. I personally enjoy a tight strategic game. and worry that the game will be ruined by those who want a try fest filled open games.I find it fascinating to see how other teams try to crack SA's defence..

[@scottwarwick7514]

The "most appealing" thing to watch is quite simply watching your team win the RWC. That’s all.

[@markwinter7511]

Irish commentators found SAs 2019 win really hard to swallow. The latest one appears to be going down like a prickly pear. Your misty eyed adoration of anything all black probably does your results page more harm than good. Love them or hate them the boks have won 50% of the world cups they've played in and you guys are yet to make it past the Qs. The present Irish team is much better than that so maybe now is the time for a more objective pair of lenses.

[@shaunjayes8842]

Finally, some rugby sense spoken on this channel. You've done nothing but cry like little girls about SA rugby, from before the tournament started, to days after it's finished. When you will get that aim of any team in this tournament, is to win it?

[@TheThinkingMathematician]

as a BOK supporter here is a friendly warning : SA rugby is running rugby - look up any of our school teams and its a very fast , agggresive and attacking style of rugby. We are also most of the time the best schools rugby. So be mindful you will be crying if you change the rules to suit our ACTUAL DNA of rugby

[@wewhofly]

Ok, so the new rule will be to ban SA from having schools rugby. Mission accomplished.

[@glen1482]

@@wewhofly Actually, they're going to have to ban us completely! Therapy in NZ and France is getting expensive 😂

[@ewaldbotha1849]

If there is nothing new why did other teams not adapt and beat them if they play so predictable.

[@at7512]

SA won because they won the breakdown, they kicked the pressure kicks qnd were more disciplined than NZ..

[@user-fp6rn2km4i]

you can't say all blacks would've won if they got an extra penalty or try because then South Africa would've adapted their game plan. come on people.

[@cwengagilimane2281]

2007 to 2009 everyone said south africa kicked to much. Thise three years South Africa dominated the rugby world, donimated the Try Nations and when ever they played againt the Northern Teams. Now people are crying about the way they play now

[@carlomac]

South Africa are the New England, boring to watch but effective. That’s the reality.

[@jaconortje5009]

​@@carlomacBoring to watch? You are clearly not a Saffa, we love the way we play rugby

[@michellerobertson3268]

​@carlomac boring? 😂😂😂 They entertained us all during this world cup!! You're all still befuddled how they did it! What is the aim of the tournament? To win the cup! And they did just that! Well done Springbokke!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@surfsnow1371]

@@carlomac Funny how the Boks were involved in ALL of the best games at the world cup and that All Bleaks drubbing at twickenham, sour grapes make great whine

[@yvettemsnoah]

We are the greatest rugby nation on earth! 😂

[@LonaSomlota]

It's weird how south africa having the best defence almost makes these people want rugby to change completely.

[@ettienedelange8887]

I really don't understand these discussion. In cricket there are 3 formats Test cricket, 50/50 and 20/20. Each 1 of the formats needs a total difference approach and skill set. 20/20 fast pace and exiting and adventures. 50/50 in between and test cricket played at a slower pace where discipline and mental strength of players are tested much more. In rugby it is the same. 15 a side of which test rugby the ultimate. Every team play to their strengths and trying to outsmart each other and that is the beauty of rugby. It is a physical battle and mental toughness at the highest level. If you want to watch fast pace exciting rugby watch sevens. All the critics of the Springboks complain because they play rugby the hard physical game which test rugby was meant to be played.

[@glen1482]

You are correct. It is just sour grapes bud, None of the other teams can stand it when one team wins too much. The Boks win half of all WC's they play in, it's too much to bear for the supporters of other teams. Especially for the Kiwis. But fantastic for the supporters of the Boks 😂😂😂

[@sizwe1131]

South Africa would have one that game regardless of the card or if Jodie hits the kick. South Africa have many ways to beat a team, France, England and All Blacks never had a chance.

[@phillipmiga3961]

It's to see pundits biased talking about all blacks were 14man through out the game forgetting the springboks were also 14man for about 20 minutes and the all blacks couldn't do s$#!t about the strongest wall of defense in world rugby

[@Hrodwulf9]

If you're Ireland its pretty revolutionary stuff cos they actually won.

[@ASTSALES]

Nothing wrong with the way South Africa play

[@fazertace6837]

At least the Boks know how to get past the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

[@wewhofly]

Ireland Were going to play knock-out, grind, defensive rugby. They ain't dumb. They know it's gotta be done. They were ready for it. Trained all four years for it. Had the troops ready....., and it was going to get its debut in the semis......................, then the fecking ABs showed up in the quarters! Pedantic ABs just couldn't be a little late.

[@reechimz4602]

Theres everything new about what the boks because your whole conversation is based only on the bok's game play and not any other team during the WC. If it wasnt new (the application of it in a WC) why ddnt the other teams do it esp after being shown the template after 2019?

[@sandiapillay9691]

AB girlfriends this panel 😂

[@MeiA-h9r]

With any sport, when the moment is at it’s highest or when the most is at stake Defense ends up winning Show me otherwise

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Knock out ruby = every game - No wants to lose EVER It’s a rubbish game, why? Because the team that focussed on defense can possibly (!) do better that the more offensive oriented side? Really this brain dead way of evaluating rugby is getting tedious.

[@johnjames6620]

Boks accept that they have to lose to grow depth. Ireland, France and Scotland just bring in IMPORTS!

[@TheoOosthuizen-xs2nq]

Irish people are just angry because they couldn't get to the top with half of their team imported from the Pacific Isles.

[@Robin-ni8jy]

Boring rugby wins knockout matches that's a fact rugby is not the WWE it's not all about entertainment it's a sport and the goal is to win

[@queasybeetle]

Don't be stupid. The greatest game ever was France Springboks

[@luvuyompapa9366]

Would have could have.....weeeeeee 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@backpassfc8610]

Ifs, buts and coconuts.They're back to back World Champions. Put some respect on their name.

[@HeeniKeke]

Demanding respect??? Try lift stats for the big tests during the 4 years after the RWC and then people might start respecting…At the moment SA are just one trick ponies who only perform at world cups

[@washerdryer3466]

SA trolls STILL spamming and gloating on Irish rugby chats. LOL!

[@glen1482]

Then stop making excuses 😂

[@washerdryer3466]

@@glen1482 Looking for attention?. Not getting it at home, kid?🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@glen1482]

@@washerdryer3466 Nah, just enjoying all the other team's fans moaning so much, it really is very funny.

[@hmarnitz]

blah blah blah if's and buts, NZ was never gonna win that match deal with it.

[@ianvermaak1450]

Ireland did not play knock out rugby hence there exit . New Zealand did not play knock out rugby ang you guessed it they lost !

[@heinrichwilliams9252]

If you don't like scrums, go and play or support RUGBY LEAGUE!!! Bye-bye. . .

[@davidshekleton9908]

During the 20 minutes that both teams had equal amount of players New Zealand didn't score. If anything they should be thankful for the red card it made them play better. 🤔

[@Wide-eye]

Ireland only scored one try v Springboks so how intertaining was their play ? This after currupt double banking cheating in last line-out before Mat Hansen's try. Iteland was a disgrace to the wonderful W Cup. They arrived to win by CHEATING. Evident in every match they played from year 2016 when they beat NZ at Soldier Park, Chicargo !!! Also importing coaches and players out of incompetance and GREED, GREED, GREED !!!

[@JeromeAdams-q8i]

So England played the same game like South Africa and that's fine by u lot

[@davidshekleton9908]

So bored of hearing the rhetoric about The games could have gone either way in South Africa's quarter semi and final. No they couldn't have and they didn't. Everyone keeps talking about the opposition teams missed opportunities😂.... South Africa missed four drop goal attempts in the final that's 12 points last I checked. There are a lot of ifs that come from the losing side, they say "if we only did that we would have won". South Africa's three knockout victories against stern opposition on the trott don't have any ifs. No buts only the CUP. WHICH WHEN LAST I CHECKED IS WHAT EVERY TEAM WANTS AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP. Do you think Rassie is saying to Handre Pollard "jeez Handre!!! If you had missed that kick we would have lost😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@geoffhogan4831]

Your discussion doesn't make sense. SA defense is the best in the world. You bunch of clowns wanted NZ to win. Was the victory over the ABs at twikenham pre tornament not enough to convince you.

[@terryvandermerwe6496]

If if if, another 4 years, eet daai bok drol

[@timmo491]

Lol they were bloody lucky to get past England.

[@johnjames6620]

But we did! And past France and past NZ!

[@timmo491]

@johnjames6620 lol no you lost because none of those sides contain dirty throwback racists like yours.

[@johnjames6620]

@@timmo491 Oh I see.

[@stona9222]

Your fancy netball passing left to right to left means nothing and is boring. If you do not want to watch the tactical power game go watch League might be an idea.

[@rosswaters1520]

If if if if if.....