World’s Best Rugby Team DECIDED? | Rugby Pod analyse Springboks V Ireland

[@JohnMcAvinue]

Wish everyone would stop with this best in the world stuff. No one in Ireland, not a single supporter or pundit is trying to make that claim. It's all people outside of Ireland. Andy Farrells reply to this yesterday was the perfect rebuttal. I wish it would resonate

[@bjoreil]

Totally agree. I am happy with no.2.

[@Andrew-fn9xx]

Completely agree.

[@CRAiCED.]

Facts, fantastic series. Gutted it's not a 3 game test but the boys need a break. Back to back weekends of class

[@Rugby-union-fan]

Yes because it's just a matter of time before NZ are back on top again 🇳🇿.

[@johno9761]

They shouldn’t make that claim cos they couldn’t even get past the RWC QFs.

[@johnfrench4137]

As a Saffa, I'm glad it was a 1-1 draw. Ireland are brutal, and have been for several years. I hate losing, but I like Ireland and how they play.

[@wynandvanzyl8798]

As a Saffa Fan, I am so glad that Ireland brought the fight to us. It was a beautiful game. I usually watch the replay, but I haven't had the guts to watch it since Saturday. It hurts a bit much. I agree a line drive would have been the better decision from the penalty. I am sad that we lost, but Ireland fully deserves the win. They were brilliant.

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

I was miserable all week after losing the first game to you! Sport is funny

[@MorkelErasmus]

We tried the maul twice and they foiled it - like they did at the end of the RWC matchup...I think there was very low confidence in the maul setup. But we should have gone for the lineout there and tried some kind of play for the line.

[@pscotXRPking]

Relax your WC champions

[@christianmccann9400]

Hard luck SA great game i know how you feel, after England beat us right at end with drop goal In the six nations ruining our winning streak .. was gutted tbh

[@celticlofts]

Did you watch the New Zealand vs Argentina match today 10-8-24? I thought that was the best game I've seen in many many a year. Nail biting all the way and I'm an Irish fan.

[@kertventer8267]

As a Saffa, i haven't seen the boks that beat up and our line out been disrupted as ever. Well done to Ireland! Massive game! Till next time.

[@Analytical2000]

I don't think anyone is saying Ireland won the series or that Ireland are acting like they won the series. I think many people in Ireland are enjoying the victory when you consider (and as reported by the media), 1) SA had not been beaten in 8 years at this stadium. 2) SA are the back to back RWC champions and are currently ranked World Number 1. 3) SA had beaten Ireland the week previous. 4) Ireland have only won once in SA previously and 5) According to many in the media and social media channels, it was a foregone conclusion that Ireland were going to lose. Take just these five points and never mind the injury situation or long season issues, just these five points. Why wouldn't the Irish team and people celebrate? It should be taken as a compliment by South Africans that the Irish would be so emotional about winning this game. Take it as relief, if you want. Surely that should point out to all that the Irish team and their fans viewed SA highly and that they are relieved and happy they had won the game. Equally look how SA reacted when they won the first game against Ireland. They celebrated just as the Irish did. Players hugging their team mates at the final whistle, performing laps of honour and singing. Fans clapping, singing, cheering. Celebrating and talking up their team's performance. I think this shows there is mutual respect by both teams and fans for each other. There will be those from both sides that go too far (as well as third parties trying to stoke division) but ultimately i think we can agree most are fair minded and are celebrating a fantastic spectacle in the sport that we love. The euphoria and elation players and fans experience and express is all part and parcel of sport, especially after a tight contest

[@PB22559]

Well said, buddy.

[@ryanpp3696]

This is good analysis

[@MrTrik15]

Respect ireland from SA, they beat us fair

[@asghaabjob9603]

As a South African,I will agree Ireland did out muscle us and played Springbok rugby against the springboks😅

[@daithipol]

I was delighted with the 1 all draw. I kinda expected a whitewash. Dropping POM was a godsend and 3 seasons too late. I said it before best team on the day. The previous week, the same story but SA were best and also by close margin the ¼ final v NZ. It still in my memory the hidings we got v SH/England/France so beating SA in SA was joyous. Long may this rivalry continue

[@damonpheiffer1533]

We seem to stumble every time opponents play our game against us…. Anyone playing our game and NZ beat us…..

[@johnnyk6460]

Irish lad here. The push at the end by Stu McCloskey on PSDT to get him away from hounding Carl Dickson was absolutely hilarious. Started a bit of a scuffle but was brilliant entertainment. 2 fantastic teams, well done both Ireland and SA!!

[@RossoVerdeNero]

You don't mess with big Stuart. Ulster's finest.

[@PB22559]

I enjoyed that part too. McCloskey took the push well, barely moved. Then Ringrose got involved. It kind of summed up the attitude of the Irish on the day i.e not taking a step backwards. In fairness, Du Toit was asking for it with all the whinging about an obstruction that never happened.

[@jaxuys]

Congrats to Ireland! Rassie was correct in describing Ireland as the envy of the rugby world, having such a small pool of talent and to be this good. As a Saffer I am ok with us experimenting and dropping in rankings to try something new, don't feel we should stick what we are familiar with. "World's Best" is just a bragging right between tournaments, but it is really decided who lifts "the Trophy" in the end.

[@LeMerch]

Ireland don’t have a small playing pool. They have a lot of professional academies and a conveyor belt of talent coming thru.

[@bjoreil]

Rassie is a legend.

[@johno9761]

The envy? This Ireland love in is embarrassing if their so good why did NZ who already sacked their coach KO them at the RWC??? Stop with this BULLSHIT! And you Saffas with the fake humility GET IN THE BIN!

[@ronanfurlong1362]

@@LeMerch Thats not really correct LeMerch. Ireland has 4 pro teams with approx 160 pro players across the 4 provinces who are eligible to play for us. To put that figure into perspective, South Africa apparently has over 200 pro players who are actually playing outside SA, never mind the 160 pro's who are with Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls in the URC. We are most certainly maximising our resources through good structures and in particular through good coaching at the schools level, but we most definitely have a small playing pool relative to SA, NZ, France and England.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@LeMerchone of the smallest pools of players academies yes coaches from those academies but as tier 1 nations go yes the smallest or close to it. To compare England France SA all have 5 times bigger pools similar to Ireland is NZ and they are living proof that its how you manage your players not how many you have.

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

Osbourne was brilliant on Saturday. Well done Ireland.

[@lesterwyoung]

Osborne.

[@mthunziphakathi4215]

@@lesterwyoung ok thanks

[@gihanilangakoon]

Dan Biggar, you analysed the Irish performance so well 👏 Am thinking it takes someone of your class to see a classy performance

[@JastorKeane-ln2tz]

Biggar is a class act. 🇮🇪

[@Con-pt1gk]

Bloody world no 1 bull again. Huge respect to the Boks from Eire. I love that the top 6/7 teams can beat each other on their day. Massive game from Ireland.

[@PB22559]

The world number 1 pt is mute. Biggar is wrong when he says SA and Ire are levels ahead of the rest. In reality NZ are up there, so too are France and now England. NZ beat Ire in the QFs and only lost the world cup final by 1 pt and they were down to 14 for the majority of the game. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see NZ winning at least 1 of their 2 upcoming games in SA. England also deservedly beat Ireland in the 6n. Having 5 teams at the top of the rankings with hardly anything separating them puts rugby in a good place.

[@nicodavids4604]

Thanks for your Take on the Springboks Dan I can't believe we lost by 1 point in the 80th minute so sad . Credit to Ireland well done

[@creekyknee]

losers !

[@GenuineBruno]

The title of this video is just fueling a fire that the Irish never started. We firmly believe South Africa are world no.1 . It always seems to be the British media and videos like this that wind everyone up.

[@ThatGuy-sw2xe]

Media specially. Getting people fighting.

[@Ryan.210.]

I frnlu believe that we are the best team in the world outside of the world cup it's just that we cant perform like we do before the wc

[@bl2944]

It's very sad seeing the media sewing this divide between the fans. It's sadder seeing so many taking the bait. Too much finger pointing between fans. Take me back to the days before social media anyday. Seeing so many videos from game day shows the massive respect between fans that really exists but it's the insecure keyboard warriors that fuel these perceptions that they speak for all. Empty vessels make the most noise

[@thomascoughlan3316]

Its extremely difficult to beat a top team away from home in rugby. Ireland did that against the world champs. That, for me, puts Ireland above SA. For now…

[@Pierson1054]

True mate , it's just click bait

[@alanhughes3070]

The way the 2nd half was going, Pollard kicking to 24-19 was the obvious call, they monstered us for 30mins in the 2nd half…the ability of Ireland to manage to wrestle back the momentum was off the charts! My first emotion when Frawley nailed that DG was “shock” ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DomDeDom]

Yep. Ireland had only scored 3 points in the second half at that point. Was the right choice.

[@Burninglash]

You and every single bok fan. Those drop goals are epic. If not for those kicks, the game was won. Amazing contest. Loved every minute of it. If we have to lose, that's how I want it to be lost. It could of been a dive but that's not how Cheslin plays so on that basis I will say no dive, just a slip on extreme cornering. Ireland earned the win in the first half. Mostly teams cave under that Pollard kicking pressure.

[@garethmurphy2978]

As a Springbok supporter watching in the stadium my first emotion at the DG was also shock and disbelief! Well done and congrats to Ireland on the win and their competitiveness on the field during the series!

[@dn822]

Van Staden knocking the ball with 3min to was the moment

[@jimbabwe1]

@@Burninglash Cheslin did not dive, if you look at the replay from behind the posts, Doris gives him a hip check. Don't think he would have got to Frawley though. So unnecessary from Doris and cheap.

[@TauCeti973]

Well done Goodey and Dan, it's always nice for any supporter to have their team spoken about so well. But seriously, as a long time IRL supporter, I remember well the one off wins here and there against big teams, and some of the wins in the 80s, it seems like nowadays IRL are consistently considered to be one of the big teams and it's a great place to be. It was a good win but there's still much work to do in our line out and scrum. I'm looking forward to November in the Aviva.

[@siphesihleoliphant8734]

It was a great series. I'm disappointed to see us not going 2-0🇿🇦 wish this was a 3 match series. The decider would have been epic 💯

[@geoffnelson6756]

Razzie and SA nominated this as 'Unfinished business' therefore a continuation of the WC game. They expected a 2-0 win so 2-1 win overall, unfortunately for boks fans it's 2-1 to Ireland and without TMO assistance should have been 3-0. I don't like all this best in the world talk, but it's definitely open to debate.

[@SchyffS]

Brand new Boks game plan brought lots of mistakes. Reality is that Ireland lost this game to and experimental game plan…by one point. Seems an obvious win for the Boks 😂

[@Smith-hl6ms]

Yes but don't mean you would have won ireland started to be the team that are.booing ireland is not good as it makes you out to be sc Are fans it's children that do rhat

[@Smith-hl6ms]

​@geoffnelson6756 u still would losa.e 3 seriess

[@SchyffS]

World Cup has been taken already by the Boks. This unfinished business is the start of a new rivalry. So, 1-1 series draw. Ireland won a single match not the World Cup 😂 Ireland played the tried and tested game plan against Boks experimental game plan and got away with 1 one point only, that’s not convincing at all.

[@neillscan]

Sitting here with tears in my eyes with pure pride.Agree with you lads Andy Farrell and his team have trained us to be a match for anyone.

[@warrenbooysen]

Ireland are the real deal. Well played from SA

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

I don’t understand how people were thinking we weren’t

[@Robbybabes1988]

@@SmcdMcd-d2k Ireland have always been up there. Please do us a favour though. Never let England win the six nations again. The banter from Ireland is great and we love it but when the English win it becomes cringe. They still banging on about beating NZ in 2019 🤣

[@frankstewart9607]

Andy Farrell seems to be able to get the best out of a core of Irish players that Leo Cullen doesn't. He is also bold in his decisions. Drop your captain. Play Osborne at full-back. He seems to get the team to an emotional level that gets them over the line. We are blessed to have him as Irish coach and will miss him when he is gone.

[@patrickyoung3503]

Stuart Lancaster is missed by Leinster . I'd love to know the inside story about his departure .

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

@@patrickyoung3503 He was head-hunted by Racing. It was inevitable that one of the big clubs would come looking for Stuart Lancaster. The Leinster players who were coached by him had nothing but praise for him and his methods. Leinster won 4 Pro12/14(now URC) League Titles & the 2018 European Championship during his tenure.

[@RoyBattyLives]

This was such a huge win for us, losing this game would have raised questions if we are good enough to really compete consistently at this level . We are.

[@user-zp7rq7wr8x]

Yeah, have to agree with Dan's remarks about the quality of the Ireland performance. I'm not Irish, but I watched New Zealand loose to South Africa in 2022 I think 26-10 and South Africa were incredible, but this Irish side powered through the world champions, in a way I've not seen for a very long time.

[@boxerturner7472]

Springbok beat us by one point WRC again Ireland never world cup material. ABs thrashed spring boks prior to abs WRC

[@francoisverdoes8552]

Ireland make me nearly cry,but they were brilliant.Nice podcast and a follower of your podcast

[@danglybit1]

The chance of The drop -kick and Sacha touching the ball, could both have gone either way...so lets be fair to both sides...a draw might have been a fair result...I'm ecstatic Ireland came away with something from such a massive tour....So lets congratulate both teams.

[@Hardboiledeggandtoast]

Rugby won on the day, kudos to SA from an irish fan 🇮🇪

[@DavidSmith-yi8ou]

No way is there daylight between SA, Ireland and the next 3 from the top 5. They’re evenly matched at the minute.

[@bjoreil]

Any of the top 5 could win a world cup.

[@davidwalker2402]

France maybe but not England or NZ those tests were riddled with mistakes and not because both teams played well. If you believe that is the best NZ can play its over for them

[@KiloPage777]

Lol except only one keeps winning the trophy. Go figure 😂

[@zealanCA]

100%. It comes to the meta for these teams. Who had the better day for example? On any particular day, it could go either way.

[@davidwalker2402]

@@KiloPage777 i think you mean a trophy every 4 years, but some are winning trophy’s every year and these trophy’s carry much bigger prize money than the one every 4 years. So not only one wins trophy’s . But seriously I think Ireland would give up all its 6 nations for 1 World Cup , and I still believe Ireland can win a World Cup .

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

…its all about rivalry and the best possible opposition on the Park the build-up to both these Tests was the very best imaginable That is what the supporters crave for And YES : Your Andy (et cie) is ‘off the charts’ with instilling bravery and skills The Guyz are thinking and adapting on their feet in split seconds How much better can you get AND expect⁉️ So, fair play and well done… • Very much so the Ref is in the clear Leave him totally out the picture ~ he did well Great stuff could’nt be more dramatic Most certainly the most blood i’ve ever seen offered into the challenge and ‘wounded’ IT WAS TOUGH ‼️‼️ Thanks for displacing the AB’s as our traditional TOP rivals…And, another thing, the IRISH supporters were super fun in their visit to ZA‼️WELCOME…🥂❗️ 👊🔥 🪖

[@petes9524]

The Boks are the RWC champions and comfortably no1 in the rankings. Ireland drew the series and are a well deserved 2nd in the world rankings.

[@pauljansen6650]

Exactly, not much more to say than these facts. The big crime is making it a 2 match series! Ireland played some great rugby in the 2nd test and the Boks are trying out a whole bunch of new (some strange) tactics

[@robert.donnelly]

Agree that SA deserved to win the RWC, they were fantastic, but I don't like how the double points during the RWC skews the rankings. If teams were awarded the same amount of points as any other test match then IRE would be ranked no1 and ahead of SA by more than what SA currently lead by.

[@PB22559]

Lol We all know the Boks are world champs... but, they can't get the better of this Irish side. Last 5 games between the sides- 4 wins for Ireland and ONLY 1 win for the saffers. 2 of the games were in Dublin, the other 2 in SA and one at the world cup.

[@davidwalker2402]

Ireland take their learnings off SA because they are their targets for success.

[@Rugby-union-fan]

SA didn't deserve to win the world cup just lucky NZ lost a player.

[@geoffnelson6756]

Massively proud of Ireland, with seconds to go and a scrum at our 22, it didn't look good, Frawley sliced through SA like they weren't there, a new level of belief for Ireland. It reminded me of the loss to NZ in 2013, where the all blacks went the length of the field in a few seconds and won the game.

[@PB22559]

I like Biggars takes but I don't think he's right when he says SA and Ire are miles ahead of the rest. I think any of the top 5 teams can beat each other on any given day. Ireland have been the most consistent though over the last few years. I think they've only lost 3 games in 24 tests.

[@Analytical2000]

The lean, mean green, fighting Irish rugby machine and we can literally say fighting after Saturday's game. When it looked all over and the boks looked like they were going to take the game and the series 2 - 0 , the Irish lads found something extra and pulled it back. They fought for every metre, every turnover and every point for every minute of the game. Well deserved victory. Congratulations to both sides for creating such a fantastic spectacle for all to witness

[@cptrugby1986]

they still can't win a trophy lol 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@Analytical2000]

@@cptrugby1986 but they did. They won the 6Ns many times

[@cptrugby1986]

@@Analytical2000 Boks won everything. I think if they played in six nations, they win that as well. Ireland are very good yes but when it comes to the big stages then they flop and cannot produce ....

[@Analytical2000]

@@cptrugby1986 ok if you say so, but surely the Irish should be justified been very happy with their victory over the Boks based on the points you make.

[@emilegalexander]

​@Analytical2000 6 nations how about the rest of the world..

[@MosesMatsepane]

The "best team in the world" is ranked world number 1 and they are current world champions. Ireland was amazing on Saturday, they have incredibly talented players, and they play fantastic Rugby.

[@FR-je9bw]

Suck it up Rassie. Would have been 2-0 in Dublin and you know it!

[@knowmean]

Worlds best team has 4 x RWC gold

[@FR-je9bw]

@@knowmean And an inferiority complex.

[@waynec9914]

@@knowmean

[@Darskeo]

Agreed. Until we win a WC we can’t claim to be truly number 1. SA are a machine. It’s fantastic watching Ireland play them!

[@Bobbydyland]

Given the Irish reaction to the victory and the drawn series, I think we can put to bed the absurd narrative that the Boks are not respected. You don't celebrate a draw that hard if you don't respect the team you're playing.

[@LeMerch]

They celebrated a win in a tough match. Irish people are more warm blooded and far more emotionally driven (like the Spanish, Italians etc) than South Africans.. we are more of a family unit and wins mean something more to us.

[@user-dg4kb4mw5z]

I think they were celebrating the win more than a drawn series

[@Bobbydyland]

@@user-dg4kb4mw5z Point being I doubt they'd be partying that hard if they won by 1 point against Canada.

[@paulcostello1807]

Celebrating the win on the day Nobody said anywhere at any time the Springboks were not respected. Anyone who did is and was a fool

[@colmancooney9213]

@Bobbydyland, it was a huge win for Ireland afterall. To be absolutely smashed to bits in the first game, I think they are well deserved to celebrate that win. So let's all be a bit fair and quit the whole begrudging stuff. Great game. Brutal hits and unreal finish

[@JackJones-tu5pi]

Ireland came with the plan to absolutely pulverise and smash South Africa physically which very few teams can do, and they did it from minute 1 when Kelleher absolutely melts Kwagga from the kick off , Ireland beat South Africa up whilst haveing to battle through a yellow card and some dubious penalties against them none more so than penalising Ireland when Nash didn’t even touch the ball 😂, Ireland have the ability to play any kind of way - beat you up upfront or cut you up with the backs almost a good balance of both NZ and South Africa in one team

[@JackJones-tu5pi]

@dimann1090 you’re just copying a squidge talking point from his last vid copy and paste 😂.. and now you think it’s a fact lmao, no NZ scraped by because Ireland failed to ground the ball over the line … that’s literally it … that was the difference … you’re reading far too much into it mate lol

[@fallschirmjager0000]

Ireland have 160 total professional rugby players. Their team was missing 6 first team players. Rugby is their 4th most popular sport. If they start making it their no.1 sport, they are gona be off the charts good.

[@manupez3203]

⁠I know we like to say all that stuff. Small nation. Few players. 4th choice sport. Etc. It really riles the opposition!! But in reality, there’s a massive following here in Ireland. It’s the only sport we are close to being world-class in. Forget the Euros, the Olympics, the cricket. Rugby is the one sport where we can get behind a team in green. It’s our no1 sport in that sense. By far the highest media profile globally. And we all jump at the chance to travel to away games and bring the craic.

[@user-pq5uc2kx5u]

To say that this 2 teams are far above the rest is a far fetched statement .The only time a person can say it ,will be after they faced teams like .Nz ,Eng,France and Argentina.

[@johnmc3862]

@@manupez3203You must be forgetting about boxing, horse racing and a few good golfers too.

[@mcnally1456]

@@manupez3203 there’s a reason why it’s the most ‘elite’ sport in the country though after gaa.. without the schools they’d be nowhere it’s a posh sport all the same.

[@amyosullivan318]

gaelic football and hurling is always going to be irelands no.1 and no.2 sport and that's the way it should be.... don't even go there

[@cryptobuzz4580]

Ireland neec to sign Andy up to a long term contract ASAP. He can't be having any ideas like going home

[@ronanfurlong1362]

Big turnover of Irish players between the group game in the World Cup and Saturdays match. No JGP, Sexton, Aki, Hansen, Keenan, Sheehan, Henderson, or O'Mahony in the starting lineup ...... that quiet, seamless evolution in the space of less than 1 year, was the most surprising aspect of the game for me.

[@user-is9of]

Wasn't by choice tbf

[@terencemacsweeney3667]

I agree. The introduction of so many new players and their quality is a big achievement for Ireland here.

[@ronanfurlong1362]

@@user-is9of Very true .... but the depth of quality in certain positions pleasantly surprised me. Jamie Osborne was a revelation at FB, Tadgh Beirne should be left at 6 from now on IMO, Craig Casey had a very good first test, Ronan Kelleher was back to his best from a few years ago (before many people had even heard of the world class Dan Sheehan), James Ryan was thunderous, Jack Crowley continues to develop after the loss of a generational flyhalf in Johnny Sexton, Calvin Nash has filled in competently for Hansen, while we have 4 centres who can all interchange comfortably. The big worry for me is loosehead cover with Cian Healy nearing retirement. It would be great to see Paddy McCarthy or Jack Boyle come through strongly in the years ahead. I think its actually possible to take a decent guess at Ireland's next world cup squad today, with say 75% accuracy, given the age profile of our players. On the other hand I think that defeat (coupled with South Africa's age profile) will put a few questions in Rassie's mind as to whether some of his stalwarts are going to make it to the 2027 tournament.

[@JohnMcGowan-ud3kf]

@@ronanfurlong1362 well put

[@leonardodavinci7425]

Sexton is retired

[@ciaranbrk]

The top four are all capable of beating each other. There is no best in the world it's best on the day.

[@knucklesaukuso5086]

Wrong the best in the world are The Mighty All Blacks 💯 head to head matches and winning % says so and it’s not even close All Blacks hold every rugby record against every country except for the Rugby World Cup which SA has now All Blacks is and will always be the one team that everyone wants to play and beat

[@roryt6417]

Yep...you are greats...SA second..then it's a lottery Recently ireland right up there. Future looks amazing

[@barrierodliffe3452]

@@knucklesaukuso5086 Are you suggesting that the 2024 All Blacks team are the best team in the world today because of the accomplishments of previous All Blacks teams? What an absolute moronic argument.

[@ciaranbrk]

​@@knucklesaukuso5086no your wrong past records don't mean anything in present day rugby. in the last 5 years look at the records.

[@domenico1373]

Its criminal there is not a 3rd test! Would have been a test for ages!

[@peasant5612]

Yes agree. Don't think anyone understands why. Did hear it was world rugbys wisdom that Sprinkgbok, ABs and Australia host only a 2 match series with a 3rd of a weaker team.

[@celticlofts]

Maybe that was the intent, leave people guessing as to what if...

[@CRAiCED.]

God I really wish this was a 3 match series. Sublime rugby! We lost first game and then won the 2nd but the true winner out of this series was rugby

[@byr0nuser]

There is VERY little between the top 5 or so sides in the world. I also don't agree that SA and Ireland are far ahead of the rest. Good chance NZ wins the Rugby Championship again this year if i had to guess. There really isn't much in it, lads. PS: I'm South Africa btw.

[@KiloPage777]

There isn't very little. There's two trophies in a row but that's just me I guess

[@damianhickey6812]

All the games across the top teams are one score tight margin games that can go either way on the day. Nobody is conclusively dominant. And ITS GREAT!

[@laurieclark6652]

​​@@KiloPage777 NZ were the first to go back to back & were the first to win it 3x back in 2015. S.A were the second team to go back to back & the first to win it 4x in 2023. Everyone happy? Cool. Ok now that we've established the RWC results heres the real burning question. Arent S.A sick of not being able to get their hands on the Freedom Cup? Surely you guys are absolutely desperate to get that in the trophy cabnet right? 15 years is a bloody long time! And 2x in its 20 year history is an absolutely awful record! Thats up there with the Bledisloe Cup which has been sitting @ Rugby headquarters in Auckland, gathering dust for 21 years. When it comes to The Rugby Championship both Australia & S.A's results are poor. Lets hope those fortunes change this year.

[@kerrylass2]

As an Irish fan I totally agree...Durban reminded me of when us Irish coming up against the English in the 6N as clear favourites, looked stunned as the English bullied us off the park first half, we came back and then they won by a drop goal last minute. Any of the top 5/6 can win on the day.

[@byr0nuser]

@@kerrylass2 100% Facts.

[@toffee1889]

Andy Farrell is a God in Irish rugby

[@robcousins231]

As a lifelong Irish fan, now into his 50s, I don't think Ireland is the no.1 side. SA are the world champs and should have won by more last week and we got a bit lucky in Durban. With a scrum going backwards we should have lost that. And I don't think there is a gap between SA and Ireland, the ABs, England and France. I think those top 5 sides, there is nothing in it. England beat us fair and square in Twickenham and NZ beat us in the WC. So it's all very close

[@Wide-eye]

Ireland deserve the win. Two great games by them. Can understand joy for Irish players and fans especially those who toured in SA. Suddenly such a high for them at the end surely made the tour worswhile for them ! Couple of big moments in game. One 25.33 minute when Kolby was past James Lowe but knocked on. This with no.15 Osborne 16 metres away. We all know the chances was good for Cheslin to step Osborne and score. Ireland did not really allow SA to implement Tony Browns attacks. No tries then you will loose many matches !

[@boerinbeton7052]

PS Who the hell decided on a Two match series, it should be 1 or three. Two match series should be illegal

[@gstokker]

Absolutely agree… think it had to do with a World Rugby mandate that the teams need to play a test against Tier 2 in this window as well… Bloody World Rugby

[@soulrestoration5486]

I am South African but to say the next teams below SA and Ireland are a long way from them is a huge mistake. Remember France, England and New Zealand only lost by 1 point in the world cup. yes be happy Ireland won. SA should have won by more in the first game but the same game could have gone to both teams. a game of 2 halves. so be happy with win but it only proves that all top 5 teams in the world right now are very close to each other.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

Fair point about the top five. You might consider adding Scotland as they have beaten England several times and run Ireland close in the last two 6N.

[@francoisleroux3165]

Calm down lads, it was a 1 point win. Ireland should have put the Boks away after their first half dominance but was completely outplayed in the second half. They won because of individual brilliance by a drop goal when time was up. The Boks were bleeding because they were putting MASSIVE hits in on defense. All said and done, congrats to Ireland and they deserved the win. There is very little between the teams, clear nr1 and 2 in the world, but make no mistake - the Boks are still nr. 1

[@BogartAus]

Totally agree they are making it sound like a RWC final 😂 also no word of Caelin Dorris taking Malcolm’s knees out. 🤬

[@Matt-mv1zg]

As a South African an a no1 fan! I will say, watching Ireland and with players out, WOW Ireland were absolutely fantastic, different league, SA had no answer to this fantastic team and with respect SA made mistakes and got smacked for them. The discipline between both teams, a question mark? But Ireland and captain all respect they brought it to South Africa and we got smacked! congratulations to Ireland and with a very very long season for the lads they were the best team on the day!

[@user-vk8zy6re4t]

Last 5 meetings between these 2 sides Ireland have won 4

[@shanebrennan6396]

Plus we have 100% success against SA at world cups 🤣

[@Scurloq]

​​@@shanebrennan6396and yet you and the team had to watch on tele how we lifted the WC 😂

[@shanebrennan6396]

@@Scurloq 🤣🤣🤣

[@Sdeburca2012]

Hi Guys, I know I'll get some stick for this but I think 'The Lions Tour' is Outdated!!!! What do you replace it with? I'm thinking a Northern Hemisphere Six Nations all stars team takes on a Southern Hemisphere Championship All Stars team in a Three Test series. I'd bring a rule that would limit the number top players on the Squad. It would give other players something to aim for.

[@jackbeag]

100%

[@Zz-lm1no]

Great insight on the coaching Apparently they only trained once...last week...their processes are clearly well cemented not to mention the clarity and understanding that would have been required with all the changes for this game

[@BlazeEigs]

Genuinely the best I've ever seen Ireland play against us (outside of when we were kak for a bit). Even in the games we've lost I felt we were the better team on the park (yes including world cup) but this time Ireland bought the real stuff to the game and even when it looked like we had pulled it back the Irish fellas held the scrum together and found a way to pull it out that bag. People talk about the drop goals but actually its as much the fact that we were tryless because one try added to the 6 pens and no drop goals would have been good enough. The only other team that we play that bring that level of intensity is obviously the ABs so its great to have more of these tests. From our perspective I obviously think we could have managed that game better in the last 10 mins but again, credit to Ireland for hanging in there and taking it as deep as can possibly be in order to have one last successful grab.

[@BlazeEigs]

Absolute sin there was not a 3rd test.

[@jacquesvanzyl5299]

Ireland stepped up man. The Boks like to dig in deep, find that dog that you should absolutely not corner because it will bite you, Ireland did that to the Boks man. I feel Rassie trying to make a statement by fielding the exact same team backfired so hard unfortunately, the idea being that it was so physical yet Ireland need to make so many major changes and the Boks none yet look at the start of the 2nd test, SA loose so much momentum with all the injuries and WLR coming off, Ireland just let that dog out and SA got bitten. Well playerd, I also think that Ireland had already done their homework on that exact team, so just had to re-inforce whereas SA had to redo their homework for the Iteland 23, that being said Ireland scoring another try with the exact same tactic... so good even though it hurt to watch. Rassie losing a mental game for once...maybe? Well played to Ireland, and the boks but Ireland deserved it more in the end. I hope we get another close matchup as the top ranked teams again however the top 5 teams can change quite a bit if looking at the current form of all the top teams.

[@neilbennett9281]

There are 160 professional rugby players, total, in Ireland. Think about that.

[@Andrew-q8k]

Quality not quantity as I keep telling my girlfriend 😂

[@BogartAus]

You can only have 15 players on a field. Also 90% of that team is in Leinster which means they play together day in and day out. It’s well known time together, combinations and understanding trumps all. Same when we beat NZ in the past the could field 2 teams which we could do now as well. But well played Ireland.

[@harryocallaghan8082]

@@BogartAusIt’s not 90% of the team though. Beirne, PO’M, Aki, Hansen, Murray, Crowley, Nash, Herring, Bealham & Casey are all regular starters.

[@Edgycoo]

you have as many if not more senior men registered rugby players than new zealand

[@BogartAus]

@@Edgycoo yes and so glad we can have them all in one provincial team day in and day out playing together to make a super club where we can rest them then put them on a national team which has triple the funding and have them all play together. We can’t afford to keep our players together so they play all over the world so in a short time have to gel and learn how to play together. It’s not about the numbers of player but what exposure and growth can you get the players you have. The again we only use SA player not Kiwis or Aussies.

[@user-yw1ij1qz2b]

We were missing Bundy, Hugo Keene, Gibson park and Dan Sheehan. Four World class players

[@dazza9859]

Ref was very harsh giving free penalty score for C Blade jump for ball which he did not even touch into offside position.A South African player touched it ,so it was SA that knocked it on.That was a free 3 pts score to Sa present by ref.The assistant ref even told him in the mic that Ireland were onside!

[@Colin_Power]

Where is Jim Van Der Hamilton 😅

[@GQ-df2li]

100% disgraceful dive

[@jle42]

I have new respect for the fans able to congratulate each other. Thats what I want as a fan, whether you win with one ooint or ten. This habit of continously blaming refs is silly and frustrating. Ireland was great Saturday therefore kuddos and respect.

[@HeeniKeke]

There is no such thing as the “best team”. South Africa, Ireland, England, New Zealand can all beat each other on any day. Be thankful we live in an era where we have a tier 1 like this

[@davidkelly499]

If only there was a competition to determine who the best team in the world is 🤔

[@philipmccarthy6175]

You win the world cup and that's great, but it doesn't make you the best team until the next one.

[@davidkelly499]

@@philipmccarthy6175 I think if you win back to back world cups it gives you some allowance to lose one game without losing your crown? Ultimately being the best team in the world only matters at world cup time.

[@philipmccarthy6175]

@@davidkelly499 True , but it's not an automatic right to be called the best team for the next 4 years.

[@ConorJB1]

I would venture that most Ireland fans see New Zealand as the best team in the world. They have won the last 4 rugby championships and narrowly lost a World Cup final with 14 men. They are a humble nation too which gets them extra credit!

[@gideonvanniekerk4252]

That’s because us Saffas love the intensity you used to bring to games Bigz!

[@user-rb3bb7mi3u]

Crédit to Ireland, they foughht right to the end and managed a great win.

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Probably the smallest SA pack in living memory. SA needs a big No 8

[@AliKay3011]

Excuse me but I respectfully disagree with Biggar saying South Africa and Ireland are so far above everyone else. Nonsense! England beat Ireland in their most recent match. NZ beat Ireland playing 20 mins with 14 players and should have beaten South Africa with 14 players if that video ref stopped interfering. There's nothing separating the top 5 teams.

[@kiaoragin]

I'm Irish but the Boks are the best team in the world still. The best team in the world can always be beaten and that was the case on Sauturday. Rugby is a game of intense emotions and Ireland were really up for it. I don't think the Boks were as up for it and may have thought they could win without being too emotional about it having gone though such a high the week before. The Boks needed a try. They shoud have kept it at it after that attempt at a maul failed when Joe Mac busted it up. They got a penalty right away after that and kicked for goal. I thought they should have gone again for a lineout maul. Why give up after only one attempt? I also agree with Dan that Andy Farrell is one of the best coaches in the world. Who else could see that Frawley and Jamie Osborne would play so well at fly half and full back? He discovered JGP and picked Mack Hansen when nobody knew who he was. Oli Jager is playing in Ireland because Farrell told him he might have a place for him in Irish the team. What a coach! Have to say that I thought the U20 England pack are some force. It was tough watching them dismantle every Irish scrum yesterday. England will have some pack in a few years time!

[@Bobbydyland]

What I want to see at the game against Portugal this weekend is an all-new Backline. 9 - Sanela Mohamba (I know, not in the squad, so I'll take Grant Williams 10 - Maanie Lebok 11 - Edwill VD Merw (I know, Injured so I'll take Moody. 12 - Sasha F/MgZulu 13 - Lukanyo Am 14 - Mapimpi 15 - Quan Horne (But probably Fassi).

[@CasKru123]

I believe there is a competition held every 4 years which determines who the best team in the world is at that stage. The rest of the time there is the IRB's world ranking which determines this

[@philbradshaw7650]

The IRB world rankings are the only way to say who's best in the world.. SA winning the world cups in 2007-2019 without having to beat NZ Australia France Ireland or Scotland showed us you don't need to beat the best to be world champions

[@KiloPage777]

​@@philbradshaw7650 that is because the champions are the best 😂 it's not that hard

[@CasKru123]

Yeah, the WC doesn't count if you never made it to a final then.

[@Analytical2000]

I think rugby (like many sports) is so dynamic, that it can't wait four years to decide who is the best. Teams are so evenly matched and who is the best can alter from year to year and that is why I think they have come up with the World League idea, but this logic may also have its own problems. As pointed out in a previous comment, a team may win the RWC and become known as the World's best without playing the top ranked teams, whereas in the World League, they would have have to play against the top ranked teams, or what we may expect to be the top teams but since Wales is outside the top ten ranked teams but will still play in the World League due to their position in the 6Ns. Also the World Rankings can also be misleading on where a team is appropriately ranked, given that some higher ranked teams will not play lower ranked teams fearing they will lose too many ranking points and fall too many places on the ranking table and this may have knock on consequences in RWC group situations.

[@CasKru123]

Bottom line is that you have to be able to somehow measure your performance against other teams and either by a point system or a knock out style tournament, this can be determined. But anyway, Ireland played the better game on Saturday but that does not suddenly make them the best team in the world.

[@vinvincible8]

SA are without doubt the best team. They are legitimately No.1 in rankings and current world champs. We have a better record against them as a team but they beat more teams than we would consistently. NZ will rise under razor and England look like they are building a powerful paced game. Wabosa for them is world class . Rugby is in a good place.

[@JasonBullrich]

Can the Boks still play the way they do? Are World Rugby trying to change the rules to make rugby more appealing? Didn't the WC reach another level. I want to agree with you Dan and not change a thing but the powers that be are forcing our hand. Age of our squad is fine as we are blooding in new talent so with Rassie at the helm he'll blend it perfectly. Think the world is actually starting to appreciate the way the Boks play now. Rugby is so good atm. Thanks Ireland for keeping us grounded. Hope you enjoyed the tour and 'they'll' give you/us a best of three next time wherever we meet.

[@ManusODonnell-i6l]

No Bundee Aki No Jamison Gibson Park No Dan Sheehan No Hugo Keenan No Jack Conan No Problem💪

[@jimbob2252]

No Hansen either

[@Robbybabes1988]

So Ireland have depth?

[@khalimblank]

​@@jimbob2252people seriously underestimate Hansen's importance to how Ireland play

[@pheasantplucker6117]

Not often you see Etsabets smashed. Great game Ireland . The epitomy of never give up.

[@FR-je9bw]

Quite often when he plays Ireland. He seems to shrink when he sees JLo #ragdolled

[@francoisleroux3165]

I missed the part where he got smashed.

[@eoinleen1]

Andy Farrell is immense!!

[@ger1775]

Rugby is only a 4th rate sport in Ireland,could you imagine how good Ireland would be if it was their national sport,unreal.🙂

[@battfishvoodoo-rl8qr]

Whats the other 3 ? #1..dwarf tossing, #2 drinking #3 diddly dee dancing 😂.....kidding !

[@manupez3203]

⁠I know we like to say all that stuff. Small nation. Few players. 4th choice sport. Etc. It really riles the opposition!! But in reality, there’s a massive following here in Ireland. It’s the only sport we are close to being world-class in. Forget the Euros, the Olympics, the cricket. Rugby is the one sport where we can get behind a team in green. It’s our no1 sport in that sense. By far the highest media profile globally. And we all jump at the chance to travel to away games and bring the craic.

[@olwethu2424]

What is the first rate sports in Ireland? Any you dominating globally?

[@Cpchurch87]

@@olwethu2424our national sports; Hurling and Gaelic football are the top. KZbin some games, great sports. Especially hurling. Soccer is in the top 3, then rugby is 4th.

[@garrettstrahan2218]

No. Dddly Dee dancing is no. 1​@@battfishvoodoo-rl8qr

[@jksinorbit]

Ireland were great in the first half but the boks owned the second. Very fine margins indeed we were down in their half with a minute or two to go but van Staden knocked on...well done to Frawley for knocking it over, but it's a game we should have won.

[@MACCA0405]

Not an expert but seems to me that SA aren’t taking full advantage when they have forward superiority. Backs seem to be unable to create from the forwards causing mayhem. Pollard is excellent for what he can do but lacks vision and inspiration. Centres can run over people and defend but no great class going forward. Mind you other than Ringrose Irish centres disappointed.

[@jksinorbit]

@@MACCA0405 right you are, very good centres for the previous game plan, Lukhanyo Am is more creative but ultimately it might be time to look at the next generation. Same with Pollard, but the real question is did we really need to throw the baby out with the bath water ?

[@brettwalker8339]

Massive respect to Ireland beating us in our backyard but winning the odd test here & there is one thing but winning world cups is on a totally different level & until Ireland win a world cup they will always be just a very good team . Win a world cup then you become an ELITE TEAM .P.S BOKS DONE IT 4 X

[@paulkirby2761]

Nah, what I love about world rugby at the moment, and I say this as an Irishman, is the top teams in the world are all capable of beating each other on the day. You have Ireland, SA, NZ, England, Australia and France that are a flip of a coin who's going to win, all capable of beating each other, and the likes of Scotland and Wales more than capable of producing an upset and themselves not to be taken lightly. Italy and Argentina also seem to have closed the gap but perhaps not as consistent at producing the sort of performances necessary and yet the potential to do so is clearly there to see. It's just a great time for world rugby and long may it last. We're getting some great rivalries developing.

[@user-gr6co9vz4k]

I would add, that what Dan Biggar said about SA not losing in Kingspark for 8 years, makes it tougher for Ireland, is not a good fact. Ask any SA fan, and we will tell you Kindspark is our worst ground. The reason we haven't lost there in 8y is we never play "Big" games there. Mostly argentina. I am from Durban, and we all say that Kingspark always brings the worst out of them for some reason.

[@Steve-gr6jm]

It's an amazing ground though. Same with the DHL. Both are better than what we have over here.

[@kerrylass2]

Yes surprised at Biggers comment at this. Having said that I was seriously impressed at the SA supporters and the brilliant atmosphere at Kingspark both before during and after the match The atmosphere at Loftus was positively feral however...lol

[@AC-hu3xk]

Oh, how we miss the 3rd test.....shame...

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

…nary a truer word spoken 😳‼️‼️‼️👊🔥🥂 🪖

[@rosswear4409]

I remember how the boks were taken apart for losing to Japan at a World Cup. Then Ireland themselves faced the same result in the following world cup. Anything can happen on the day. But I honestly believe that SA and Ireland are the hardest 2 teams to beat.

[@thomasVA9707]

what a war.... and as pissed off as i am that we lost saterday i know this just makes it bigger and more personal for both sides for the next meeting

[@boerinbeton7052]

Ireland had to play their B-team to win the Springboks, Congrats to Ireland they were the better team on the day. We will look forward to the next time we meet.

[@Robbybabes1988]

There are no B teams at international level. Have you ever heard of depth? Ireland obviously has it.

[@Ginger4789]

SA played a very sloppy game 😤😤😤😤😤

[@roryt6417]

Let's for a moment consider, SA without Kitshoff, Willemse, Wiese, Dejager, Kleyn, 4 at least would have been matchday squad...secondly. Ireland have had 5 matches together in the 6 nations, SA had Wales with half the squad. Then New Zealand recently beat Ireland, who in turn scraped through against a resurgent England. Hmmmm

[@roryt6417]

Perhaps at this point in time. Any one of the 4 on their day...France?

[@Camcolito]

Ireland were missing more nailed on starters than your matchday squad crew. It was just about Ireland B. Hmm.

[@roryt6417]

Ireland last 6 games vs Nz, SA, England I think is 3 wins and 3 losses. Possibly a reflection of where all 4 teams are right now. 4 great teams. England need more wins to prove it. Going to be an interesting next 6 months. Farrel as the winning coach was brilliant in his post match interview. ..kudos

[@seanjennings9042]

Calling a team #1 is so circumstantial it doesn't make sense to label any team #1 definitively. Unless you have a single team thrashing all the other teams consistently which isn't happening right now. SA, IRE, NZ & FRA can all beat each other on their day... all this best team in the world talk is only fueled by the media and ignorant fans. I'm a SA supporter and don't believe we are definitely number 1, but neither are the others in the top 4. England are also showing that they are a team to not take lightly. I'm not sure if there's ever been a time when international rugby has been so closely matched. As Andy Farrel said, long may it continue!

[@samgreer8274]

Dan Biggar doesnt know much about southren hemisphere rugby. He says the Boks and the Irish are way above the rest. So if the Boks played the ABs, would the Boks win by 20 points plus? oh wait what? Also, he goes to say the Boks has been the best team in the last 5 years and even mentions the rugby championship to support this. If he knew anything about the rugby championship, he'd know the Boks have only won it once since it started in 2012.

[@LeMerch]

Boks beat NZ in the WC final and yes they are a better team. Ireland won a test series in NZ. I mean, it’s arguably close between these 3 teams and England and France aren’t far behind.

[@paulcostello1807]

Well they concentrate on the world cup don't they 😊

[@samgreer8274]

@@LeMerch yeah we all know that. I dont see what this has to do with Dan Biggar not knowing anything about southren hemisphere rugby. Please re read my post you replied to and I seen how you left out the Irish losing to the ABs in the RWC semi last year. If youre gonna use recent games to make a point, then dont miss anything out. I do agree with Eng, Fra, SA, IRE and NZ being pretty close. I dont think SA and IRE are WAY above like Biggar thinks.

[@samgreer8274]

@@paulcostello1807 some do but the actual teams/players focus on their last game. Until the next game looms that is.

[@Robbybabes1988]

Look at the rugby rankings, have we ever had the 3 top teams in the 90s with points? I remember NZ always in the 90s and number 2 would be around 88.

[@Rayrulesohye]

That was an Ireland team missing 5 starters.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

The replacements for Keenan, Hansen, Aki, Gibson Park and Sheehan did a great job. The only weak link is their scrum which coughed up a lot of penalties.

[@plc2866]

Maybe it’s time for these guys to start. Perhaps the others have been a handbrake?

[@gkmarais]

Willemse, Moodie, Hendrikse, Hannekom, Wiese, De Jager, Kleyn and Kitshoff also missing for SA. None foreign born.

[@dcs4880]

Why do we have world rankings if everyone ignores them? The best side in the world isn’t the world champs, it isn’t the team that won in your last encounter…it is the the team ranked 1 in the world…that’s literally what world rankings are. This question media keeps asking is so stupid, it’s not up for debate…the ranking formula is the most accurate way we have to determine that question. When Ireland are ranked 1, they will be the best team in the world. Drawing a series doesn’t make you the best…unless you are ranked 1.

[@user-br9ne9gl5t]

I respect your view but I don't agree. If you can't beat the best teams in the most challenging competition in the world you have no place calling yourself number one. Even when Ireland was ranked number one no true Irish rugby supporter thought we were number one in the world. Additionally, all this number one crap does our nut in. For the most part, we could care less. What we want is to be able to compete at the highest level against the best teams and I can't deny we'd love to get past a QF for a change. Simples..

[@Scurloq]

Rankings mean nothing. Lost with 1 point and got deducted -1.75 points. Will we get points if we beat Portugal, guess not because of low tier country etc. You are the best in the world if you win the WC until someone take it from you.

[@dcs4880]

@@Scurloq So England were the best team in the world in 2006? Were the Boks the best in the world in 2010? No they got cleaned by NZ 32-12. Rankings are not perfect but they are the most accurate way to determine who the best is on current form. We shouldn’t get points for beating Portugal…they are ranked very low…why should our ranking improve from beating someone so low down?

[@dcs4880]

@@user-br9ne9gl5t yes but WC cycles are 4 years…you saying because a team won it 3 years ago they are still the best? No way the Boks were the best side in the world in 2010 even thought they were world champs. Same with England in 06 etc etc. rankings aren’t perfect but they are the most accurate in terms of current form.

[@user-br9ne9gl5t]

@@dcs4880 That's a fair point but it's still a terrible metric. Nobody in their right mind thought Ireland were the best team in the world despite being ranked No.1. It's a subjective view but for me the rankings are a metric of form not a metric for deciding who the top dog is. Ireland ranked no.2 right now. How long ago was it since England literally tore us apart? New Zealand are currently ranked No.3 but if you ask me they are better than Ireland. If I wasn't such a patriot I'd bet on them to beat us every time and would be pretty confident in winning that bet. When all is said and done I feel the whole idea is a little ridiculous. On any given day the hungrier team can beat their opponent despite consensus and rankings. It's one of the beautiful things about the game of rugby.

[@Kransduif]

If Ireland can play knockout rugby with that same intensity and drive they wil def win a World Cup. I think theyre going to be a much stronger team after this series.

[@kumquat4543]

Ireland are consistently at their best, issue is other teams are not until world cups and as we saw they only just beat the Boks, they don't have the extra gear for world cups

[@fallschirmjager0000]

@@kumquat4543 but they will have that gear in future. Ireland only went professional 25 yrs ago, they never competed before the pro era unlike SA and NZ etc. They will eventually get to a WC final and win one. They are good enough.

[@2cool4school4ever]

Ireland mightn’t be the best team in the world 🌎 but they are clearly better then SA. 4/5 defeats. Stats don’t lie ☺️☘️☺️☘️☺️

[@Joe-ns4cg]

They lost the series on the scoreboard and drew it for games played, based on aggregate score 😂😂 Luckily for Ireland it wasn't knockout stage rugby cos they would choke again 8/8 times in quarters 😂😂 Imagine falling out of quarter finals in a world cup 8 TIMES xD

[@ptssolo9078]

Actually 19 to SA, 10 to Ireland, 1 draw. Don't choose history conveniently 😊

[@FrancoisCoetzee]

You are right, the stats don't lie: South Africa played Ireland 30 times, won 19 times, lost 10 times and drew once. That is how statistics work. You can't just cherry-pick what suits you.

[@olwethu2424]

When did you start watching international rugby?

[@extremesportsify]

Green Machine is Back!

[@ryanpp3696]

Congrats on a drawn series. I think this shows the difference in mentality between the Boks and Ireland.

[@FR-je9bw]

​@@ryanpp3696Let's see you guys try to draw a series in Dublin. No chance😅

[@ryanpp3696]

@@FR-je9bw sure mate 👍 I'll say the same to you guys winning a QF match

[@washerdryer3466]

@@ryanpp3696 Congrats on not being able to win a series at home. 👍

[@ryanpp3696]

@@washerdryer3466 we are disappointed because the Boks have a different mentality and definition of success ;)

[@antonvanrooyen7610]

Brilliant show boys. Keep it up. Loved you guys as players and even more so now on in-depth view. Love listening to the show.

[@keithstritch1217]

Ireland have now beaten south afrika 9 out of the last 13 matches..Facts don't lie...I'm irish and I think the rivalry between s a and ireland is way better than that of new zealand and ireland..fantastic ireland..it was a fantastic series and can't wait for the rematches..Will be epic❤

[@andrewmcgahey782]

South Africa are 2 times world champions rightly so and are still the no 1 in the world but for Ireland to beat them up physically on their turf will hurt fora long time great series great contest between two great teams

[@danglybit1]

not for more than a day or 2 really..Maybe if Sacha had not unnecessarily touched the ball..the boks would have had the throw in ...but lets be real..Ireland wont be able to do this every time...They still have to beat England which is becoming harder...

[@davidloughlin2238]

I am Irish and I feel that SA, Ireland, NZ and England are the breakaway group. England have progressed amazingly over the last 12 months. With Italy doing great in last 6 nations and Wales showing improvement now too I reckon we are in for a cracking Autumn series and a six nations that will be the most competitive for years. It is a brilliant time to be a rugby fan!

[@FR-je9bw]

Can't leave France out

[@davidloughlin2238]

@FR-je9bw great team a couple of years ago, but very patchy 2024, leaving me concerned about the level of commitment of the top players and the managers ability to get them performing.

[@jbuck147]

I think that France - especially with Dupont, belong in any discussion about a 'breakaway group' - England have improved but the top two teams in the NH are currently, in my opinion, Ireland and France as they have been for the last few seasons. NZ are essentially rebuilding at the moment with a new HC in Scott Robertson and it will be interesting to see how they do in the Rugby Championship which is coming up

[@davidloughlin2238]

@jbuck147 good point, I love French rugby and I hope they do get back to their 2023 level ASAP. I guess the RWC experience shattered them and they still have not got over it. As an Irish fan I was crushed by our RWC exit but massively impressed by the way our team has performed since.

[@Steve-gr6jm]

​@@FR-je9bw Also about to win yet another under 20s world cup.

[@iankavanagh9174]

Hard to believe England let Andy Farrell go. Imagine what he could have done with the pool of players at his disposal there.

[@zealanCA]

We will have to wait and see if World Rugby implement a new rule to limit the use of drop goals in some way. If they do, perhaps thats an indication that Ireland is the best team in the world.

[@BogartAus]

Was just thinking this might have started a new global trend, it’s harder and harder to score tries so 3 point drop goal might have a come back. Drop the drop goal down to 2 points, remove the caterpillar and the blocking of box kick receivers. Create more competition for the ball.

[@laggers54]

SA might be beyond arrogant however they’re world champions.

[@joedennehy386]

I'm a kiwi South Africa are not arrogant at all

[@PB22559]

They're world champs alright... but only 1 win in 5 games against Ireland.

[@davidwalker2402]

Humility over arrogance all day

[@ptssolo9078]

Actually, 20 to SA and 10 to Ireland in the last 30 meetings. Ireland the upper hand in the last few. You can't look at only what you want to see and make incorrect statements

[@PB22559]

@@ptssolo9078 Lol When you have to go back over 100 years you already know you're scraping the botttom of the barrel when it comes to solid arguments. The last 5 games is a good measurement because most of these players played in those games. Ireland were crap during the amateur era. They never took rugby seriously at all. A few years after rugby went pro Ireland started to improve year on year. Now, they're consistently the best side in the world. Only 3 losses in their last 24 games. Yes, the Boks are deserved world champs but they CAN'T get the better of this Irish side.

[@ryanpp3696]

1-1 drawn series. Ireland going on like they have won the series. Both teams will be disappointed not to win the series surely ?

[@Cpchurch87]

Literally none of us think we won the series. It was a draw, evident by the fact it was 1-1 👍

[@LeMerch]

Why are saffas so salty… who in Ireland said they won the series?? Show me 😂😂

[@unleashedmystery]

South Africans are feeling like Ireland won the series. Ireland basically did when you see the injuries Ireland had and how dominant they were with just a week to turn around. Back to back world champs couldn't even get across irelands line so yeah a draw is a win in South Africans eyes and us Irish agree.

[@user-fz7yp3xk6w]

​@LeMerch You just got the hump because the Springboks kicked you out of your own World Cup frenchie.Bore off😅

[@71bootneck]

A draw at home is a loss. Like the Lions tour to NZ was a draw was a loss to NZ. Same with us in SA. But at least we don’t have to wait 12 years for redemption 😂 0:45 that was the main thing. Ireland put a lock at flank. Targeting Kwagga. He is not a starter and hope this showed that. He is brilliant off bench with best battle stats. But no intimidation or fear factor. And he got Fkn smashed. Missing Duane already