RWC '23 - Spuds vs Boks

The big game is almost upon us, and the atmosphere is building nicely. The mood with most people I've spoken to is that the Boks will surely prevail. The Boks have not lost to the Irish three successive tests since 2004 to 2009. We have also never played them in a World Cup. The Irish are a solid side, but can they face the Boks in a decisive encounter in a World Cup? I don't think they will. We'll soak up their pressure enough, and with our speed nab a try or two to break their resolve. Games between the two seldom ever end by 7 or more points separating the teams, but I feel that this game is going to see the Boks pull away. The Irish will escape the group, but they'll do so with a bloody lip. This will be the catalyst for the Boks tightening their game. 

Will the Irish suffer a famine of points?

Or mashed potatoes?

Ex-Does, you say the Boks defence and attack is not in the top 10 teams in the world, but you expect them to beat the top ranked team in the world???

The Irish start as favourites, but the Boks are ranked number 2 in the world - so it going to be close

Enjoy the game oaks. I hope it is a game unmarred by injuries and bad reffing. 

Go Bokke!

And thuggery, just saying 

Let's hope it's not all thuggery and that we at least see some skillful back play.

We're going to see some tractoring and burrowing, don't worry.

Ooh, animated team lineups. Gee this technology, hey?

John Smit and Jean De Villiers both are confident that the Boks will take it through with shear power and attrition (but no plan B), but if the Irish can take this maybe a contrasting different approach of Irish line speed could counter a different result. The SA squad was announced early, maybe a good tactic but the side announced by Ireland remained more or less the same, unmoved.

Should be interesting contrast in approach and could go either way.

Boks in their Checkers slaapbroekies.

If Ireland can get a handy lead they can dictate the style of play.

Gee 2 bok greats picking the Boks, who would have thought it.

Duane Vermuelen sitting in the coaching box, next to Rassie

Trademark Faf pass! Poor Kolbe! 

Eh, not a good start. Kolbe knocks a sketchy pass from Faf.

Early penalty Ireland and they go for the lineout instead of the 3.

Steph getting nailed with a shoulder it seems. Could be trouble for Ireland if that is referred.

Okay not shoulder, just a shove.

Anyone else getting the feed glitch and goes back 20 seconds every so often. Tried several feed and doing the same thing. Happened in the england game as well.

Libbok penalty, 3-0.

Ireland struggling in the lineout, terrible throw .

Irish lineot throws missing the lineout. 

Ireland have been the better team so far. Their lineouts have lost them points

Spuds look bloody good on the ball! Hearts racing here! 

Another overthrow in the lineout. Gonna be a long night for Ireland if they can't win attacking set pieces like that.

Super attack Ireland, Keenan 2 meters short and then the knock.

Ireland not getting the scrums right either, penalty Boks.

No audio on the feed so can't hear what he's penalizing for.

Irish steal Bok breakdown ball then knock it.

Willemse looks threatening. Need to play through him. 

We're cutting a fine line here with ref calls. Need more attitude on the line.