When the Springboks stormed Dublin with a powerhouse performance, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a declaration. Former England center Will Greenwood couldn't contain his admiration after South Africa's robust 24-13 triumph over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, a venue that had haunted them for 13 years. Clutching their fourth consecutive win on tour, the Boks didn't just beat Ireland; they left a statement etched in the mud and blood of the pitch.
Greenwood, a man who knows a thing or two about winning (flashback to 2003, anyone?), brushed off the drama of the match's multiple yellow cards and a spicy 20-minute red card incident. For him, the real story was the sheer dominance of the Springboks. “The headlines will be about the cards. I know the headlines will be about the cards,” Greenwood lamented.
“This should be about South Africa. They are absolutely freaking immense.”
Clearly, the cards were just a sideshow in the grand carnival of South African supremacy.
Rassie Erasmus, the strategic mind behind the Boks’ curtain, echoed this sentiment. He downplayed the impact of the yellow cards on Ireland, emphasizing that the real game-changer was the unparalleled level of play exhibited by the South Africans. Greenwood agreed wholeheartedly, pointing out that it wasn’t just about muscle. “Physically immense,” he praised, ticking off the list: “Set piece, lineout, contact area, speed of backs, dynamism, flexibility of players in different positions. I mean, stand out right now. Everyone else is just playing for second place.”
The year ends with the Springboks not just ahead, but “miles clear,” according to Greenwood. With such a gap between them and the rest, it’s almost as if they’re playing a different sport. South Africa's rugby prowess isn’t just about winning; it’s about redefining the standards of the game. As the dust settles on the field, one thing is unmistakably clear: the Springboks aren’t just playing rugby; they’re sculpting it into their own image.
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When the Springboks stormed Dublin with a powerhouse performance, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a declaration. Former England center Will Greenwood couldn't contain his admiration after South Africa's robust 24-13 triumph over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, a venue that had haunted them for 13 years. Clutching their fourth consecutive win on tour, the Boks didn't just beat Ireland; they left a statement etched in the mud and blood of the pitch.
Greenwood, a man who knows a thing or two about winning (flashback to 2003, anyone?), brushed off the drama of the match's multiple yellow cards and a spicy 20-minute red card incident. For him, the real story was the sheer dominance of the Springboks. “The headlines will be about the cards. I know the headlines will be about the cards,” Greenwood lamented.
“This should be about South Africa. They are absolutely freaking immense.”
Clearly, the cards were just a sideshow in the grand carnival of South African supremacy.Rassie Erasmus, the strategic mind behind the Boks’ curtain, echoed this sentiment. He downplayed the impact of the yellow cards on Ireland, emphasizing that the real game-changer was the unparalleled level of play exhibited by the South Africans. Greenwood agreed wholeheartedly, pointing out that it wasn’t just about muscle. “Physically immense,” he praised, ticking off the list: “Set piece, lineout, contact area, speed of backs, dynamism, flexibility of players in different positions. I mean, stand out right now. Everyone else is just playing for second place.”
The year ends with the Springboks not just ahead, but “miles clear,” according to Greenwood. With such a gap between them and the rest, it’s almost as if they’re playing a different sport. South Africa's rugby prowess isn’t just about winning; it’s about redefining the standards of the game. As the dust settles on the field, one thing is unmistakably clear: the Springboks aren’t just playing rugby; they’re sculpting it into their own image.