[RWC2023] South Africa vs Ireland (23/09/2023)

[unrated]

With the team selection we are doubling down on our core strategy and if we are having to chase a game I think Ireland wins simple as that. So the opening minutes will be key and we will probably look to keep possession if we can get into Ireland's half and try to build pressure that way and starve Ireland of possession/territory. It'll be up to Ireland to unlock us. Our discipline will be VITAL. No easy outs or we lose.

Personally would've preferred a back up plan but our selections especially on the bench rules that out. But perhaps that is the correct route, what do I know- doubling down on your win condition I mean. I used to play a lot of Magic the Gathering and SA are taking the route of Green Stompy or Red Sligh and you need to be ruthless in culling anything that does not play into your being a lean damage dealing machine. The thing is you either win or you lose. There are some margin of adaptability but you can't stray away too far from your own win con or you lose again. My preference was and is for more of a toolbox approach- Midrange/Control type decks. More reactionary and tactic-based than proactive. I suppose I just have to accept my preferences does not gel well with what SA have ITO player and coaching resources. Got myself wanting to play some board games now again. I am staying away from MtG- cash sink that one!

Second half Nuke squad means we finish strong? So should be able to chase, this was how the start of the Rasnaber era began, if we start strong then we pretty much should be favourites. I anticipate Ireland to get in a quick one or two then we chase the rest of the game and maybe make it back. If we lead then oh boy does that play into our hands

 

[TRF_Olyy]

No way they're actually calling it the nuke squad, I thought that was just something cringe people were saying on social media

 

[Jer1cho]

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Second half Nuke squad means we finish strong? So should be able to chase, this was how the start of the Rasnaber era began, if we start strong then we pretty much should be favourites. I anticipate Ireland to get in a quick one or two then we chase the rest of the game and maybe make it back. If we lead then oh boy does that play into our hands

A whole new pack of forwards will certainly be fresh and the good thing is we usually bring them on during a new scrum so that they come into the fray and have a platform to get into the game. But I don't see that as chasing rather than a means of maintaining the intensity our game needs. I'd hate to rely solely on Ireland making mistakes getting tired for our points. I don't see that as a recipe for a W vs this Irish side. I still think we need to lead or be very close to it come the 50 minute mark.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

No way they're actually calling it the nuke squad, I thought that was just something cringe people were saying on social media
View attachment 17830

Nuke Squad (ft. Jean Kleyn)

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Nuke Squad (ft. Jean Kleyn)

More like Puke Squad

 

[munstermuffin]

As I said a BP win for Ireland.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I have such faith in Mystic Muff when it comes to Ireland matches.

 

[O’Doyle Rules]

I can't help but feel it will be 10/12pts to the winner (whoever that is).

 

[Jer1cho]

I can't help but feel it will be 10/12pts to the winner (whoever that is).

The Springboks have only lost by 10 or more points 3 times in the last 4 years. Twice vs NZ (12 and 15). Once vs Aus (13). 15 points is the biggest losing margin for us since we got obliterated by Ireland in 2017, nearly 6 years ago.

Never played Ireland in a WC, never played Ireland on neutral ground, and only played them once in the last 5 (almost 6 years.). Its gonna be so interesting.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Ez money

 

[Groundhog]

Starting team is exactly what I expected although a fair few journos got it wrong from the team runs. Very interesting Crowley makes the bench! No better buachail. I'd maybe have had McCarthy on the bench

 

[Jer1cho]

I thought Sheehan might start but makes sense he isn't. Team is as expected.

 

[O’Doyle Rules]

With Baird, looks like we're going for pace.

 

[ShropshireAllBlack]

Will SA spring any last minute surprises? Le Roux is arguably the most creative player available to them, will a last minute injury see him added to the bench? I'm still surprised that he hasn't been named.
If the 7/1 split was aimed at trying to influence the Irish selection, it doesn't appear to have worked. Have Rassienaber any other stunt up their collective sleeve to try to disconcert Faz et al? The next 48 hours will be spent living on my nerves, bring on Saturday!

 

[munstermuffin]

I have such faith in Mystic Muff when it comes to Ireland matches.

Look at teams. I disagree with you on Kleyn. Think he has improved so much and is an international forward. But most of this Nuke squad are like statues. Big heavy men but there is a reason you never see tanks in F1.

And I'll say this straight out. Mannie Libbock is a good 10. But I've seen this lad up close twice in South Africa and well he tried to be cocky vs us and well we all know how it ended up (twice).

This Irish backline is slick and the Nuke squad can't nuke what they can't find. Also our pack aren't exactly shite.

 

[Jakedood]

The whole thing with a 7-1 split is intriguing. Like would I take 80 minutes of Tadgh beirne over 50 minutes of Eben Etzebeth and 50 minutes of Jean Kleyn? No Question.
Would I Take 80 mins of VdF over 60 mins of Kolisi and 20 of Kwagga Smith? Again no question. Or if it's 50-60 of Wiese and 20 of Kwagga vs Doris? Again no competition. Ireland bring on subs for those who need it. Most do not
The bok substitutes will have a minor impact provided no injury in the backline, but it's certainly not something that needs focused on, because realistically the players Ireland keep on are perhaps the best in the world, while the Boks are taking off theirs?

 

[munstermuffin]

With Baird, looks like we're going for pace.

I think it more set changes. Baird will go 6 for POM and keep that same style of combat in lineout. Henderson for James Ryan I feel but Ryan will be asked to empty himself massively.
Murray for JGP will happen for last 20 and Henshaw for Ringrose I think are other changes probably set for specific time.

 

[ncurd]

Guys stop calling it Nuke Squad...its going to become a Brexit thing....

 

[Cruz_del_Sur]

If the 7/1 split was aimed at trying to influence the Irish selection

What makes you say that? Just curious. If you wanna play with someone's head/nerves my first instinct would be not to show them my hand in advance. You keep them guessing.
I don't think they are messing around. I couldn't help thinking of Nick Nolte in blue chips



It's not that they want to win because the opposition misjudged the strat, was caught you off guard or fell into some mind game trap. They are telling us, exactly, what they are going to do, with enough time for Ireland to think about it, and the message is, out loud: 'try and stop us'.
A challenge if there ever was one.

First Rassie had my curiosity, now he has my attention. Can't wait to see how all of this turns out. Immovable object vs unstoppable force kinda thing.

I know, i know, i need to stop with the silly cultural references. Will do.