When the Springboks flexed their muscles against Ireland last Saturday, notching a 24-13 victory in Dublin, they left no doubt about their dominance on the global stage. Rugby legends from New Zealand, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina, were left in awe, praising the Boks' relentless physicality and mental fortitude.
During a discussion on The Breakdown, Jeff Wilson, the former All Blacks wing, was particularly impressed by the South Africans' heightened aggression.
"This was at a next level. South Africa turned it up physically. And the fact that Ireland's scrum was under the pump,"
Wilson noted. He highlighted how the Boks maintained pressure, despite not capitalizing as much as they could have in the first half. "They did an unbelievable job of staying in the game. It was in the balance, but then South Africa put the screws on, and they’re just so intimidating."
Wilson admired the strategic shift back to tried-and-tested tactics when needed: "They went a little bit old school when they needed to and went back to some of the things we know they can do. It’s like they just want to win this game and so all of a sudden they just suffocated Ireland."
Mils Muliaina, another All Blacks stalwart, echoed Wilson’s sentiments, pointing out the depth and composure under pressure that sets the Springboks apart.
"The Springboks have probably got five teams right now,"
Muliaina said, underscoring the team's robust roster. "They didn’t panic when they should have blown Ireland away with two guys in the bin. They went back to their old school stuff, you know. So, they understand to roll back to that. Everyone’s aligned."
The performance in Dublin solidified the Springboks' status at the pinnacle of world rugby, with both former All Blacks agreeing that their display of power and strategy was a clear signal to the rugby world. The message seems to be loud and clear: the Springboks are not just leading the pack; they are setting a new standard for others to follow.
2,193 posts
When the Springboks flexed their muscles against Ireland last Saturday, notching a 24-13 victory in Dublin, they left no doubt about their dominance on the global stage. Rugby legends from New Zealand, Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina, were left in awe, praising the Boks' relentless physicality and mental fortitude.
During a discussion on The Breakdown, Jeff Wilson, the former All Blacks wing, was particularly impressed by the South Africans' heightened aggression.
"This was at a next level. South Africa turned it up physically. And the fact that Ireland's scrum was under the pump,"
Wilson noted. He highlighted how the Boks maintained pressure, despite not capitalizing as much as they could have in the first half. "They did an unbelievable job of staying in the game. It was in the balance, but then South Africa put the screws on, and they’re just so intimidating."Wilson admired the strategic shift back to tried-and-tested tactics when needed: "They went a little bit old school when they needed to and went back to some of the things we know they can do. It’s like they just want to win this game and so all of a sudden they just suffocated Ireland."
Mils Muliaina, another All Blacks stalwart, echoed Wilson’s sentiments, pointing out the depth and composure under pressure that sets the Springboks apart.
"The Springboks have probably got five teams right now,"
Muliaina said, underscoring the team's robust roster. "They didn’t panic when they should have blown Ireland away with two guys in the bin. They went back to their old school stuff, you know. So, they understand to roll back to that. Everyone’s aligned."The performance in Dublin solidified the Springboks' status at the pinnacle of world rugby, with both former All Blacks agreeing that their display of power and strategy was a clear signal to the rugby world. The message seems to be loud and clear: the Springboks are not just leading the pack; they are setting a new standard for others to follow.