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

[TRF_stormer2010]

The more I think about it, the more I don't think ireland won't get past the 1/4. How we have let ourselves believe NZ is the easier option is beyond me.

Double negative intended? I for one think both Ireland and SA should be able to get on top of NZ 7 times out of 10 atm.

Should also be able to take out France more often than not but the context makes it a bit trickier. And in saying that what I mean is I'm more scared of the probability that an official will let the occasion of a RWC QF vs France in France leads to him letting little things slide than France at home. I think it's as likely France will let it get to them as it is that they will be lifted. I'm just thinking it's a lot of dice added to the equation whereas NZ will be tough but very much there to be beaten. NZ will be tough because you have to allow for those individual moments of magic but that is relevant for France as well on top of Ramos' boot.

If I have a choice of the two it'd be NZ without a doubt. So there is something on the line here apart from records, top ranking and bragging rights for sure.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Double negative intended? I for one think both Ireland and SA should be able to get on top of NZ 7 times out of 10 atm.

Should also be able to take out France more often than not but the context makes it a bit trickier. And in saying that what I mean is I'm more scared of the probability that an official will let the occasion of a RWC QF vs France in France leads to him letting little things slide than France at home. I think it's as likely France will let it get to them as it is that they will be lifted. I'm just thinking it's a lot of dice added to the equation whereas NZ will be tough but very much there to be beaten. NZ will be tough because you have to allow for those individual moments of magic but that is relevant for France as well on top of Ramos' boot.

If I have a choice of the two it'd be NZ without a doubt. So there is something on the line here apart from records, top ranking and bragging rights for sure.

You don't understand the fear of being an Irish rugby fan right now. That QF is the last shameful monkey clinging onto our back, which resembled a jungle at the start of the pro era.

There's a few ducks hanging around like winning the thing or a test series win in SA but they aren't so embarrassing.

Perfect logic in your post otherwise and I agree. But for the cup being in France I'd say SA and Ireland would be favourites regardless of QF opponent.

 

[RedruthRFC]

The more I think about it, the more I don't think ireland won't get past the 1/4. How we have let ourselves believe NZ is the easier option is beyond me.

Since the last RWC, Ireland are 3 & 1 against New Zealand and are 1 & 3 against France. Plus, France will be playing at home.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

7-1 split again haha

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wild,
I thought SA would win this comfortably but think this gives Ireland a better chance now,
Still think Boks will win, this is just unnecessarily risky

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

More like a 6-1-1 split. Kwagga might as well just be a utility skill player.


Scrums will be interesting after the 60th minute. Second bok front row vs Ireland's could be a mismatch.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Hot take: the pools this tournament have been awesome. Maybe having Scotland in pool d instead of Japan or Samoa would be better but it's creating good story lines.

The draw shouldn't be made for the purposes of creating storylines. It should be made to stop one of the best sides unfairly getting knocked out of the tournament early.

 

[big ginger 8]

More like a 6-1-1 split. Kwagga might as well just be a utility skill player.


Scrums will be interesting after the 60th minute. Second bok front row vs Ireland's could be a mismatch.

Looks like Sheehan will be fit for the bench and Bealham has been passed fit. Don't think it's a huge mismatch.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Looks like Sheehan will be fit for the bench and Bealham has been passed fit. Don't think it's a huge mismatch.

You think Bealham can hang with Ox/Trevor?

 

[big ginger 8]

You think Bealham can hang with Ox/Trevor?

Given the evidence of the last 2 years of URC and his general international career? Yes.

Like that's not me expecting him to be winning a boat load of penalties or anything but he's absolutely shown himself capable of holding his own.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

The fear of the 7-1 split wanes a bit when Fourie is the hooker.

We've a few serious engines in the back row and second row and Henshaw and Murray are pretty physical backs to bring on and share the load. This is going to get A LOT of airtime but I'd 100% rather see it than a lot of pace off the bench.

Feels like the Boks are still experimenting though tbh, they know they're into the QF.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

The fear of the 7-1 split wanes a bit when Fourie is the hooker.

We've a few serious engines in the back row and second row and Henshaw and Murray are pretty physical backs to bring on and share the load. This is going to get A LOT of airtime but I'd 100% rather see it than a lot of pace off the bench.

Feels like the Boks are still experimenting though tbh, they know they're into the QF.

Maybe they want to finish 2nd so they play France instead of New Zealand.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

If you are scared of this New Zealand team you should just go home now

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Given the evidence of the last 2 years of URC and his general international career? Yes.

Like that's not me expecting him to be winning a boat load of penalties or anything but he's absolutely shown himself capable of holding his own.

Fair play, you've obviously seen a lot more of him than I have, so I will now to your greater knowledge - in my head he's the weak link in this Ireland side, I'd expect the Boks to have complete dominance after Furlong's off

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Also if a centre gets injured is it Willemse into centre and Kolbe 15. Obvious weak link in defence and the smallest back three of all time?

It's a bit mad really

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Also if a centre gets injured is it Willemse into centre and Kolbe 15. Obvious weak link in defence and the smallest back three of all time?

It's a bit mad really

Heard reinach would put a scrum cap on if that happened

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Given the evidence of the last 2 years of URC and his general international career? Yes.

Like that's not me expecting him to be winning a boat load of penalties or anything but he's absolutely shown himself capable of holding his own.

Agree that I think Bealham can hang with Nche. Honestly think Bealham could even have the edge now Nche will be scrummaging alongside an openside flanker. Think people (the SA coaching staff included) are seriously underestimating the role of the hooker at scrum time.

 

[big ginger 8]

Fair play, you've obviously seen a lot more of him than I have, so I will now to your greater knowledge - in my head he's the weak link in this Ireland side, I'd expect the Boks to have complete dominance after Furlong's off

He's obviously a step down from Furlong but he's someone who's come on a huge amount the last few years. With Furlong's injuries he's actually started or played a decent chunk in big games. He actually came on at halftime for Furlong in the win in November. He's not a world beater but I think Kilcoyne is a much bigger weak link at scrumtime tbh.

 

[saulan]

7-1 split again haha

View attachment 17798

Too many scrumhalves... Need more forwards!

 

[Groundhog]

Yeah I have no fear of Bealham letting us down. He's been solid as hell for Ireland and against some very good opposition. Quietly has improved leaps and bounds over last two years.