VMTV Rugby Pod | Reaction as South Africa beat Ireland in first test!

It was a 27-20 win for the Springboks in Saturday's opening test against Ireland in Pretoria. Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan join Stuart McAvoy to reflect on the physical battle, what the defeat means for Ireland and look ahead to the second test in Durban next weekend.
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[@grantrau3066]

Spirit of the game, will never forget when John Smit was told to talk to the team and time was off, only for Ireland to take a quick tap and score when Boks backs were turned

[@thomasfynn9113]

I remember that match I watched it in a pub with my friends. I've never heard international commentators talk a out that mess.

[@_wayne_6565]

Facts!!!

[@FransBotha-so5dk]

matt williams...rugby evolves every year and u a dinosaur

[@Blindside_Flanker]

Apparently that ref only apologized to John Smit many years later. John was like... "Thanks, but it's a bit late now."

[@RassieErus]

Matt Williams that scrum was for you ❤

[@siyabongankalane7858]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@siyabongankalane7858]

They going to ban these scrums 🤣🤣🤣

[@John-mi2rt]

@@siyabongankalane7858 No to banning scrums but yes to banning those infantile emojis

[@nicholas8390]

Matt Williams: "If Ireland played better, they would have won"....What a truly great insight from him as usual 😂

[@andrewkelly7065]

@@nicholas8390 so you saying Ireland deserved to win in the WC and the two games v SA before that??

[@nicholas8390]

@andrewkelly7065 Yes😂 That's what I am saying. If SA played better (like Libbok not missing 11 points), we would have won😂 But we didn't play better, so we lost

[@andrewkelly7065]

@nicholas8390 that's fair. So the better team won in the Ireland v South Africa game in the world cup. Correct??

[@nicholas8390]

@andrewkelly7065 Are you okay, bud?

[@nicholas8390]

@andrewkelly7065 The Irish team were better than the Springbok team during that game...

[@MrFarr007]

Matt Williams comments mean nothing. He coached Scotland in 17 matches, losing 14...

[@gerifortune872]

He probably thought more of " the spirit of the game " than actually winning or being innovative. If Jealousy had a face 😂

[@ferdigreyling1951]

Hey Matt, I thought of you when I watched that last scrum. And I laughed.

[@andrewkelly7065]

@ferdigreyling1951 what were you thinking after the first scrum when both teams had their starting 8 on the pitch? I bet you weren't laughing then. Matt was I'm sure.😂😂😂 My god you SA fans are the pits.

[@leninlawrence5481]

Matt is the biggest loser!!!

[@Balk777]

​@@andrewkelly7065that last scrum was 4 u 2....that's how we take care of zomies

[@sdv917]

​@@andrewkelly7065 the one where Porter intentionally collapsed the scrum and wouldn't take a hit? 😂

[@mitch2924]

@@andrewkelly7065the 1st scrum where Ireland knew what was coming and Porter intentionally collapsed it. Is that the scrum you talking about 🤣? We were all laughing as well don’t worry considering we knew why Ireland did it. The last scrum was just a message to send out to the world showing the levels between ranks 1 and 2.

[@okkertgreyvenstein5765]

Rassie please have a 8-0 split for Durban, want to see Matt Williams loose his shit again, Rassie is in his head in his head

[@talentfinder575]

😂😂😂 yes do just for salty Matt

[@russellwulfsohn2750]

Why does Matt Williams say we as if he is Irish.

[@michaelvdunne]

He has serious Irish parentages

[@RaVeN0045]

Hes a clown.

[@daaalouw]

He used to coach many different Ireland teams (Leinster, Ulster, Ireland A and a Rest of Ireland XV).

[@konefesa]

He lives in Ireland now?

[@christiangerhardt2408]

​@@michaelvdunneyes and criminal heritage because he comes from a penal colony.

[@oumanplays6527]

From "it's against the spirit of the game" to "It discriminates against backs. This guy always finds a way to top the kak he spoke previously.

[@johankotze727]

THIS LINE WILL RESONATE WITH PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA LOL

[@andreasjsn]

Ja nee kyk

[@straights]

Its not discimination, he says Boks are the best team, just that Ireland could have won. I don't understand the negatitity. He raises good points about the sub system. Right or wrong its an interesting discussion. 10 years ago you could only have 7 replacements but they increased it to 8 as they realised that loose heads and tight heads were very different roles. So subs only exist in this game to cover injuries. If SA got into a game with 7 forwards and lose they're scrum half and fly half in the first half they will lose that game. The game shouldn't be about gambling on injuries. I don't know the solution but its not a good system as it stands

[@johankotze727]

@@straights does he say boks are the best team without a but? because there's a But at every sentence where he "compliments" the boks. thats not realy a compliment, its cope.

[@straights]

@@johankotze727 34:18, crazy i just so happened to hear him say it but i'm sure he's stated it several times throughout the video.

[@bongumusazondi8098]

Here for Matt😂 Blaming the laws instead of giving credit to South Africa.

[@MorkelErasmus]

what an absolute plonker :D

[@shaunspies1108]

Him and Kirwan, cut from the same cloth..........

[@adamrabinowitz944]

Is this rugby's version of Fox News?🤣

[@patrickbrennan911]

Full credit to South Africa. Both teams left kicks out there. Ireland at least 7 and SA maybe 9? If that Irish try was disallowed by TMO, then same should have applied to SA first try. Marginally forward. Almost flat, but I doubt it.

[@bongumusazondi8098]

@@patrickbrennan911 Whaf I like about this game, despite 50/50 calls, no one can argue that the best team won.

[@khayasontsele8984]

Matt Williams is very entertaining to listen to after an Irish loss or whenever the Springboks are going to or have played.

[@henrysmit7180]

The fact is that the first world rugby teams find it very difficult and actually hate it,for a team like South Africa to be so dominant!!

[@nmn9166]

Your not dominant 😂 You just broke your duck 🦆 , you might not get another for a while so enjoy . And you had to take team to altitude to do it .

[@cornelcarelse7613]

​@@nmn9166duck?😂 you ok?

[@ricardomoolman1176]

A​@@nmn9166a duckSA 19 v 9 Ireland

[@Sunshinez732]

​@@nmn9166And not only are South Africa dominant with four World Cups (including the last two in succession), they ought to have won by 16 points plus against Ireland. Dominated.

[@Sunshinez732]

​@@nmn9166The old altitude farce. Believe me, soft son, even you can breathe at that altitude. Sea level based club players in SA seem to cope.

[@warrenvanaswegen8565]

Surely this programme can afford a better quality of pundit than MW.

[@uSbusiso_]

😂😂😂😂😂keep him, we need a good laugh here and there. can't imagine a better 🤡

[@Blackcat-yx4ii]

Discrimination on the backs is a funny reason 🤣🤣 this old man can't even hate us logically. Bro hates us on pure emotions. We just can't be the best team they actually want to change the rules to stop us. They can say what they want but they hate the way we play.

[@Wildlife_SA.]

Hey, someone said we need to remember : BACK LIVES MATTER! 😂😁🇿🇦

[@engelbrecht84]

I think I have heard it all now! Next up abusing forwards the have to play too much!

[@katlegotema8661]

Discrimination on the backs is the pitts😂😂😂😂😂😂.

[@mjribes]

#BackLivesMatter

[@DeMontarey]

From SA, all respect for Alan's commentary...always balanced and intelligent...even when reviews go against SA

[@riyaadrhoda3990]

What goes around comes around. When the Boks lost to Ireland in 2022 by two points a ball was kicked out of a ruck illegally by an Irish player which lead to the winning try which should not have been allowed.

[@BogartAus]

They have a short memory 😂

[@MorkelErasmus]

Whinging about tackles off the ball not being picked up, when Ireland were playing offside at SA rucks 99% of the time without being pinged...

[@Balk777]

Our 6 forwards going on after half time was for matt

[@johankotze727]

Hope we see 7 this weekend just for the bants

[@oumanplays6527]

I think his hate for SA outweighs his love for anything else

[@boks23]

Definitely him and that clown ger Gilroy were dumped by a south African meisie many years ago and they never got over it.

[@patrickbrennan911]

Can’t get over the bullshit from the online Saffas here. Were you even at the game? I was, and the realm rugby saffas and the real Irish fans got along like a house on fire. NZ had their issues in the WC. So did France and indeed SA had plenty to say about previous losses to France and Ireland.

[@anelasibhoko467]

Matt needs to stop whining about the bomb-squad because any team can do it! The playing field is level. Get over it!

[@denwyngovender9168]

Think a South African guy stole Matts girl once upon a time. Bro can’t help himself but hate 😂

[@thomasfynn9113]

That Ozzie guy always complains and gives backhanded compliments to South Africa. They seem to forget that Springboks changed their style of play and Ireland weren't ready for it.

[@pixelninja850]

His Wallabies are still chasing their perceived 'beautiful' rugby style, trying to avoid irrelevancy, all while Rugby Australia just posted an A$9.2m loss. We'll continue to view winning rugby as beautiful rugby, thanks.

[@spervuurproduksies]

Comprehension or hearing problems? He started off by complimenting the changed style of play.

[@johankotze727]

​@@spervuurproduksieswas this before or after he said rassie discriminates against backs? Lol

[@spervuurproduksies]

@@johankotze727 Do you want him to just compliment us, the whole time? At least he said several positive things about the Boks.

[@johankotze727]

@@spervuurproduksies name one thing that he didn't caveat with referee calls, ireland being poor and the laws needing to change to stop us. Just 1 thing. He couldn't even concede that we where just the better side. He needed to remind everyone that if ireland played at they're best they would have beaten us. Not once dis he mention that we didnt pay our best. And that we can be alot better. He also fails to eer really mention Handre had one of his worst games in years. He will mention ALL the reasons why Ireland could have been better but none where we can be better. All this was from him is sour grapes. By saying this is the worst Irish performance in years he's basically saying that Ireland are still the best team itw. They aren't close to us imo.

[@CC-om8ze]

I don’t think Ireland played that poorly as being called the worse game played. It was the huge pressure from the Springboks and the accuracy of the Springbok kicking. That’s what I think.

[@oldman774]

Is Matt Williams an honorary Irishman? He keeps referring to "we", isn't he supposed to be an Australian

[@marctison]

He is just confused, as he always is.

[@marctison]

The ref did not give the Boks any advantage for their dominating scrumming until the very last try. They should have gotten far more penalties.

[@messiahette]

You have to have replacements. Replacements is for safety of players. Not replacing players is a danger

[@robertwood6297]

you are only as good as your opposition allows you to be Mr. Williams

[@SeanLarkan]

Nice to hear Rassie & Siya commenting; no whinging, showed respect, no arrogance; different to the bespectacled one

[@Arti-ficiallyChi]

Matt Williams and John Kirwan had to eat humble pie this weekend... what a turnaround on their view about South African rugby ...sure they now going to say South African attacking rugby is boring in a few months 😂😂😂

[@nqobilemcitheka1300]

From "we're the best in the world " to " we fronted up well against the world champions" 😂😂😂

[@raymondhorn8041]

Guy with the glasses is just ignorant . Bringing in fresh legs will 100% Reduce injuries. Tired people get hurt.

[@thomasfynn9113]

This is his sing song whenever Springboks play. If Ozzies had the same pool of talented players he would be losing his marbles if they didn't sub their players

[@sdv917]

No chance that was a neck roll unless you believe Willie can ragdoll Kelleher like that, and if so you have other issues. It's funny how nitpicky these guys will be on SA around the ruck but curiously quiet on all the Irish infractions.

[@adampike4080]

Matt Williams is living in the past. Bless.

[@khayasontsele8984]

Alan is 100%. Ireland were not off form. They were forced to play badly. The Springboks put them under massive pressure, and they buckled. The All Blacks did the same to them in the QF last year, and the end result was the same.

[@Bennusan1]

I love how you gents glossed over the constant Irish infringements around the breakdowns...

[@andrewlowry2142]

Mr Williams ... I love this game that offers something for such a diversity of ages, skills, physiques, strategies and cultures ..... that final scrum was a thing of beauty. COME ON, ADMIT IT!

[@annJord123]

I just watch this for MW 🤣🤣 and he did not disappoint 🤣

[@djspuds]

Matt what a w.a.n.k.e.r ... Ireland tried their best, but they were not good enough

[@khayasontsele8984]

The Springboks were also relatively poor with their execution and left a lot of points and try scoring opportunities out there. They could have easily scored 50 points past Ireland at Loftus. Let’s be frank. It’s their first proper test since the World Cup final. The match at Twickenham a fortnight ago was not a test, so much as an exhibition match. Their new dynamic on attack with Tony Brown in the fold is only going to make the Springbok machine more formidable.

[@chrisnaude2929]

I wouldn't say 50, maybe 20. We left at least 9-15 points out there.

[@khayasontsele8984]

@@chrisnaude2929 27 points + 15 = 42 …. I’m not too far off in my assessment that the Boks should have scored 50 points. You in fact agree with me to a large extent.

[@nicobasson8827]

Very few of these Springboks train and live at altitude. Used to be a big advantage when 90% of our players played their rugby for the Bulls and Lions. Not so anymore

[@robertwood6297]

According to prevailing logic, Magnus Carlen has the responsibility of playing e4 in every chess game

[@oldman774]

Loophole? The bench can be utilized any manner a coach sees fit. Provide one example where the 6-2 or 7-1 split from SA has compromised player safety

[@lucymcintosh343]

Well said. Yes Matt name an example during world cup

[@robinstigling2827]

And Matt,You do have something against South Africa. It's very easy to notice this because you cant even say "South Africa" without making it sound like those words taste terrible in your mouth.

[@elduderino3236]

Great test match, much respect from a Bok fan 👏 It looked like a slightly fatigued Ireland side vs a slightly incoherent Springbok side - because that's exactly what it was. Both teams can be better, and I can't wait for the sequel in Durban 💚🦌 🇿🇦

[@tauriquesedick2300]

Europe likes to cry for fuck sakes just be humble and give credit where credit is due

[@BeyersVanderWalt]

Matt Williams are harping about six, or seven forward replacements. Calling it unfair, unsafe, etc. Game is for all shape and sizes he says. Well, then cap the size of outside backs, these huge guys coming at speed is also unsafe is it not? Springboks are blessed at the moment with a glut of skilled, powerfull forwards, they use it, find ways to counter it on the field. Stop moaning and complaining about it.

[@thomasfynn9113]

If these other countries had the same amount of talent that Springboks have they would be doing the same thing

[@thomasfynn9113]

Matt is stuck in the past. That's not what we did in the 80's and 90's. It is 2024. More than 20 years later.

[@tobyhart]

The Shark Park is amazing. Almost as atmospheric as the Shark Tank

[@robinstigling2827]

Ireland essentially lost against an experimental springbok side that were implementing a very different attack style. That was not the best Springboks performance by a long shot.

[@selby6497]

"Discriminates against the back!" Is the biggest load of bullshit any rugby analyst has ever said.

[@jadenphilander8799]

The Altitide isnt really a thing because only the bulls players and lions players play at altitude often. Its only 5 players, Altitude never impacted the All Blacks, and it has never impacted any other fit team. Springboks are just rusty but I think they will won the next test by 16pts.

[@fonz114]

You are completely incorrect, Altitude is a huge thing! Backed by science and recognised by every country and sport in the world

[@SiyoyoStofile-kw6yh]

​@@fonz114what he is saying is it is not an advantage for this current Bok squad bcoz they themselves are not playing on the Highveld on a weekly basis..the age profile of the team is also 30 plus... Ireland finished much stronger in the last 10 Min...Rassie himself conceded that perhaps a 5: 3 bench perhaps maybe needed for future games there especially with the the ABS coming to Gauteng as well in September

[@ricardomoolman1176]

​@@fonz114 u dum boy only 5 SA players play at altitude; the rest play all over the world

[@davidpeters3857]

If Browny gets Boks attack flowing ,they will become virtually unplayable

[@brentsw3]

Can Matt quote any club, school or provincial match where 6 forwards were subbed in a single shot, inspired by the Bok 7-1 split?

[@wilfredsmith183]

South Africa is the only team that has the depth to do it. No amateur team has those kinds of resources. Most countries don't...

[@yeayou1221]

There is no responsibility to play a more expansive game as world champions. The only responsibility the Springboks have is to give hope and joy to over 60 million South Africans. If that’s playing what Matt would call boring rugby then so be it. Matt has the responsibility to talk positively about the game instead of discrediting the world champions and the refs and the style of rugby being played. He gives the fans an excuse to complain because that’s all he does. It’s hurts the game far more than the Springboks winning with their “boring” style of rugby.

[@picturef8]

Bringing on 6 forwards is a reflection of SA depth of talent. Any team can do the same IF you have the depth. Matt knows this and so prefers to talk about " player safety and spirit of the game "

[@jacquescoetzee47]

Just to make it clear: Ireland fans are complaining about NOT getting away with illegal tries. Let that sink in. To their minds that constitutes being hard done by. It’s absolutely baffling.

[@MorkelErasmus]

Considering they were playing offside on the ruck 99% of the game and weren't being penalised for it, I'd say they were lucky with that scoreline...

[@alexducasse830]

@jacuescoetzee47 . You make such a good point!!!!!😂

[@ivanmynhardt]

can someone tell Matt Stevens that he is not irish

[@roryeliot5361]

Who?

[@roryeliot5361]

Matt Stevens is South African... Who played for England... He knows that. Who are you referring too?

[@oldman774]

@@roryeliot5361 i think he is referring to Matt O'Driscoll, err I mean Matt Williams 😂

[@victordastile5204]

Colonel Williams is an aussie aspiring to be irish😂😂😂

[@chrisnaude2929]

🤣😂🤡💩

[@charlerasmus5013]

The Boks will be better next week, still finding there feet with new coaching staff

[@71bootneck]

Agreed. That was whole new gamplan. They could’ve easily Skop n Jaag on that rookie full back and scoreline would’ve been bigger but this whole new gameplan. Very little kicks and lot of running. I feel too much and too much passing and getting nowhere. And too many 50/50 passes. And NZ will destroy that with their counter attack. So work in progress. Pollard looked uncomfortable but he will adapt. Is it winning gameplan. Let’s get babk to that at end of year 1 report card 😂

[@victordastile5204]

Great to see Colonel Williams again after an SA game😂😂

[@RikiLouw69]

I am just here for the Irish whinging🤣🤣

[@seloaneronald2462]

You don't understand , rassie wanted this game more than anything. Rassie focus on world cup to be recognized, Ireland debate is the reason rassie wanna clean swip this series to close their mouth for good. We will lose championship bc rassie uses championship to build depth nothing else.

[@_wayne_6565]

Matt just simply cannot understand. South Africa is carrying the risk with the bench splits. World Rugby cant control how the team decides to replace...How many injuries have they been from changing all the forwards at the same time. Ridiculous

[@dcs4880]

Funny how they comment on any calls the ref missed that hurt Ireland but don’t mention that Porter was scrumming illegally the entire match unpenalised.

[@christiangerhardt2408]

We are still living rent free in that old man's head.

[@user-rn5jo7fk9s]

This Matt Williams guy is hilarious, i fear if we go 7-1 next week he will certainly go into cardiac arrest......

[@wpforever5257]

Matt Williams rather talk about Irelands dodgy scrum tactics like Andrew Porters pulling " technique" in the world cup semis the ref penalised him for doing this....seems to be getting away with it again .

[@Bennusan1]

Porter got away with murder...

[@keithonlife]

Actually Matt Williams, if the game is for all shapes and sizes and everyone, does that not include the fact that SA as a country chooses that way to do things with what they have got versus what others have got ......

[@Bennusan1]

Would have been fine with it if the Boks weren't winning... I promise you that much

[@GysbertDewet]

Its crazy the shit that comes out of this man’s mouth! Both teams played bad and missed kicks if SA played better they would of had 20pts lead by half time!

[@gerifortune872]

Matt Wllliam ... all teams have the same amount of subs. Thanks Alan for trying to explain it to him. And it innovative. Rules for lower grade must have different rules

[@jacoloxton5557]

Bad losers again. Blame the ref when you lose 😅

[@andrewkelly7065]

Is that a SA fan calling ANY other team bad loosers??😂😂😂😂 SA are pure dirt when it comes to loosening. Just go back to the wc loss. 😂😂😂😂 SA didn't win that game ire lost it. SA team and fans are shite

[@user-lg9ls8jq4n]

Shame man these guys just cannot be the world Champs and they so badly want that title, Sorry leave this for the big boys,

[@John-mi2rt]

@@user-lg9ls8jq4n Personally ,as an Irishman, I'd rather my county won the All Ireland Hurling Championship. You can rejoice in your master's sport.

[@adamrabinowitz944]

The nerve of these guys to make fun of Rassie's video while they go on and on about the ref! 🤣 Ireland got the rub of the green form the ref with cynical play in the rucks and illegal scrumming

[@siyabongankalane7858]

Considering the fact that Boks have not played together since the World Cup final and they were playing against a team that has been playing together all along… it was a fairly easy win. I mean Boks were horrible. They were really bad.

[@AntonOlwage]

Matt Williams PLEASE!!! South Africa has always played attacked rugby!

[@andypandy4465]

Not in the 2019 WC, it was god awful rugby to watch. I turned off the semi final against Wales, it was utter crap

[@reeld99]

@@andypandy4465yup that was terrible as was the lions tour . I couldn’t even watch those games but SA can and do score amazing tries when they feel like playing that way .

[@garethflook5706]

@@andypandy4465 "it was god awful rugby to watch." - That's because you're a common simple rugby watcher who doesnt know anything about rugby

[@robinwilliams6025]

@@andypandy4465 and what about the Welsh? Sound logic, jog on...

[@andrewkelly7065]

@@AntonOlwage my god now I've heard it all. Always played attacking rugby 😂😂😂😂

[@wilsoncalu7169]

@Matt Williams does it really matter how we use our subs. it all has pros and cons why change the rule its not like they are cheating. But seemingly northern hemisphere team have a problem with us whenever we are dominate

[@CaleB_23492]

100%, if it didnt work for us then no one would be complaining.😂

[@robinstigling2827]

Can we please acknowledge that the Springboks definitely were not firing on all cylinders in this game,they can play faaaar better. It's just funny to me that you will all go on and on about how Ireland were not their best while pretending that the Springboks were being the best they could be.

[@yeayou1221]

Facts. First game together for this team this year and it showed. Ireland have played like 7 games this year already. Also most of their players play together all year round.

[@warwickhopcroft4755]

@alan knows what he is talking about ! Ireland looked a little flat in sections but still had a good effort under the PRESSURE of the champs .

[@matthewlee4193]

lol what a game. Spring Boks pulled out those individual moments of greatness

[@andrewkelly7065]

@matthewlee4193 the best preformence in that game for SA was the ref.😂😂😂

[@johannesweidemann2578]

Funny that Kelleher's neck is at his chest hahaha, Willie not near his neck haha. Just looked at it again😂 And by the way, a penalty can be awarded even though it was not deliberate.....I thought you pundits are supposed to know the rules? Still Alan is much better then Matt

[@enriquenelson7184]

The 6-2 split. Matt - "I am against it, it discriminates against backs. Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes"😂😂😂 Let's be logical about this. It should affect the forwards of the opposition team when a new front pack comes on, if it affects anything. Secondly South Africa picked two utility backs that could play across the entire backline. If safety is indeed the major concern, state your arguments and let World Rugby adjust the laws accordingly. But I haven't heard a solid argument other than "it is a safety concern" but what evidence has been presented in regards to players being injured because of the 6-2 or 7-1 and if such evidence does exist present it to World Rugby to change the laws. You make a statement; present the evidence and then change the law. The burden of proof lies on the person(s) making the claim. Saying things like its not in the "ethos" of "spirit" of our game is not even an argument to be considered as rugby union means different things to different people and is subjective and not evidence of anything. These so called "experts" are giving opinions and not facts and analysis of the game; and opinions are like as*holes, we all have them. Love from 🇿🇦

[@thomasfynn9113]

He hasn't been able to cite a single incident where Springbok bomb squad caused a serious injury to the opposition which is his swan song every time Springboks play a match

[@StaalBurgher0]

It is noa safety issue. They have stats that show fatgue increases chance of injury. Making subs reduces injuries.

[@Blindside_Flanker]

​@thomasfynn9113 Pretty sure that last scrum did hurt some egos 😏

[@johannesweidemann2578]

You know what is abusing? World rugby trying to negate the scrum by not allowing a scrum on a free kick. What about discriminating against forwards there....don't here "expert" Matt saying anything about that. Winging about it since the world cup....what a tool

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

You cant ask the same question 5 times and get the same explaination, then think the 6th time will. Be different.

[@GerianKock]

Matt, did the crowd also make to much of a noise during the game?

[@sandalssandals5362]

Please can this debate about the BOMB squad end. If picking 6 forwards on the bench works so much then why don't other teams do it. You play to your strengths. If your strength is your backline then you'd pick a 5/3 bench. Let not criticize SA for picking a team based on their strengths.

[@homonaledi640]

Matt going on a rant again about the composition of a team's substitutes.

[@JM-ky2nm]

"discriminates against backs"🤣🤣🤣

[@RikiLouw69]

I really think that this was probably the poorest and the rustiest that you will get the Boks playing at home. I expect a bigger winning margin this week. At least 10 points.

[@NicoDuplessis-cn1tv]

Complaining about a seven point loss, where in all fairness everyone who watched that match should’ve been a lot more. Complaining about the ref is never a good look lads, take the loss and look at your own errors and / or deficiencies, as there are a plethora off.

[@leoncoetzer]

Firstly, please reverse the negative narrative, we respect and admire Ireland. Secondly, Don't mention altitude or fatigue, only 4 of our players play at altitude, and our boys have been playing a lot of club rugby since the world cup, Thirdly, see you in Durban, we are in our winter, its similair to your summer.

[@wlk2408]

Yes I struggle to see how playing at altitude is and advantage when only five Springboks play their rugby at altitude. Maybe there is something I don't understand. As for fatigue, our boys have to play in to different seasons and doesn't have a break between seasons like the players in the rest of the world. The Currie Cup has just started and The Rugby Championship is about to start. We travel more and play more games than any other nation but they cry about the travel and fatigue. 🤦🏿‍♀️😂

[@Frankabagnale33]

Think Ireland played okay but not our best. Overall boks played better.

[@Pierson1054]

Who is Matt Williams?

[@jadenphilander8799]

You dont need to be able to see the ball to play it on the ground and hook it with your leg....all you need is one peak, and you can know where more or less it is and then try your best to hook it.

[@leninlawrence5481]

First Mr Matt (or is it SIR Matt) went on over 7/1 at the world cup, now hes going on over replacements! Grow some balls GIRLFRIEND!!! Rugby is not that complicated. Lets keep it simple, physical, fast, slow, smart, big, small and everything in between!

[@UlrichHoltzhausen]

Seems Matt Williams didn't read the science behind fresh players entering the game.

[@stevenburrow8804]

5:55 This is genuinely the most insightful comment I've heard in ages. Attack is about creating mismatches, overlaps and getting into point-scoring positions. Not necessarily champagne rugby.

[@MorkelErasmus]

I came here just for the incessant irrational whinging of Matt Williams...

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

You spoke the whole game about the subs and very little about the game itself

[@johnjones5995]

What's new here, Ireland lost simple as that. Welcome to rugby at the top level, it's a game of inches and moments and who takes those moments. SA put immense pressure on you in the breakdown and that makes you make mistakes not that you play badly. Why can't Ireland media just take the loss as a loss. Just for facts here it doesn't matter if you lose by 1 point or 20 points you lose and SA showed that in the WC, quarterfinal, semifinal and final they won by 1 point in every game but they still won.

[@MihlaligsM]

You have to put your best men on the field Matt and that is what South Africa has done. It's not about discrimination of backlines. Every team plays to their strengths here.

[@user-jh5iy8pv4s]

Ireland 🇮🇪 played well in the second half, I hope they put the same fight in the first half

[@khayasontsele8984]

A TMO is only ever too much when the decision goes against you or your team. Irrespective whether the actual call is right or wrong. The Irish are only moaning because they ended up on the losing side. Let’s be absolutely clear about this. Alan is absolutely correct on this point, although he points it out very diplomatically. Unlike this Australian chap in this podcast.

[@arthurharrison2972]

James Lowe gave 110% to execute those 2 plays, unfortunately he got them both wrong.

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

The rub of the green went with SA . From a SA supporter. We will be a lot better next week and so will Irland be