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New theory emerges over Springboks' mindset heading into Ireland clash

Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt, left, and South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, centre, and South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber before the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

As soon as Antoine Dupont’s participation in the World Cup quarter-finals was thrown into doubt after fracturing his cheekbone, suggestions that playing a Dupont-less France would be more desirable than playing the All Blacks in the last eight were inevitable.

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France are on course to top Pool A after beating the All Blacks in the opening match of the tournament, but the scrum-half’s injury two days before Ireland and South Africa faced each other left fans from both nations to discuss the merits of winning or coming second in Pool B and therefore facing France or the All Blacks.

Even after Ireland and South Africa went hammer and tongs for 80 minutes at the Stade de France on Saturday, some have questioned the Springboks’ mentality in their 13-8 loss to the world number ones. Owner of the Hollywoodbets Sharks Marco Masotti has even suggested that the world champions approached this meeting in Paris as if it were a “practice game”.

Masotti listed the 7-1 split on the bench as an example of Jacques Nienaber’s and Rassie Erasmus’ “out of the box thinking”, which is valid. He also cited the traffic light system deployed by Erasmus as another reason for their experimental mindset, which is perhaps slightly harder to grasp.

Match Summary

1
Penalty Goals
2
1
Tries
1
0
Conversions
1
0
Drop Goals
0
89
Carries
93
4
Line Breaks
4
18
Turnovers Lost
12
3
Turnovers Won
9

The volume of fans that agree with his comments online clearly shows that he is not alone in this view. Fans have added with theories of their own as well as to how South Africa might have been holding something back, such as their kicking decisions throughout the match- chiefly the decision for Faf de Klerk to take a 50 metre+ penalty rather than to kick for the corner.

Masotti wrote on X: “I am not even sure what to make of the game. It felt like a practice game to me. I know I would rather have a coaching team with lights, 7/1 splits and out of the box thinking. The Springboks are taking the game forward in world rugby.”

Few would argue that the Springboks held anything back in terms of their physical intensity against Ireland, or at least if there are those that hold that view, may God have mercy on the souls of the side that bear the brunt of the Boks at full intensity. It was clear to see that both sides gave everything in what was the most brutal match of the World Cup so far. So while there are no question marks over the Boks’ physical approach to the match, there are questions over their decision-making both before and during the match and whether the same decisions would be made once the knockout stages arrive.

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Even if the theory that playing France without their talisman in the quarter-finals might be easier than the All Blacks holds water, it might be moot anyway following the news that Les Bleus’ captain could make a shock return for that match. On top of that, it is hard to believe that the Springboks would contrive a way to avoid the All Blacks in the quarter-finals after subjecting them to a record defeat in both sides’ final match before the World Cup. Then again, Erasmus has developed a reputation for being an innovator and pushing the envelope during his time with South Africa, so theories like this are to be expected.

 

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Comments

110 Comments
G
GG 663 days ago

The idea that the Boks somehow contrived to ‘throw’ this game is utter nonsense. Fake news.

D
DK 664 days ago

I'm a South African, and any theory that we somehow cunningly lost the game on purpose to play against a weakened French team is absolute nonsense and exremely disrespectful to Ireland.

S
Sam 664 days ago

Sean history will repeat itself it happened with England 4 years ago when they did us the honors to beat the all blacks and we played a broken England team in the final so will this go down the same way. Ireland will do us the honors to beat the all blacks and we will be playing a broken Ireland team in the final. We are going to destroy them in the final and be world champs.

B
Blanco 664 days ago

You did not break us, NZ won't break us and Wales in the Semis wont if we get there. You have to beat the greatest French team of all time in a knock out match in Paris and apparently you went this route as a deliberate experiment? Are you stupid? If you fluke and limp through that one you will need everything to beat an in form England before potentially facing a fresh Ireland in the final. You won't be stealing lineouts this time, you won't be slowing our rucks, and we will slice your defence to pieces. You won't be able to make up excuses when the match is slipping away at half time and all you got is the tired slow heavies to bring on.

D
DM 664 days ago

Meant to say agree not degree

D
DM 664 days ago

Spot on silk 100% degree

a
aedan 664 days ago

South African fans will do absolutely ANYTHING other than accept the fact that they were second best. Blaming kickers, refs, god, a conspiracy against them, and of course, they wanted to lose 🙄 in realty Saffa’s are just salty, crying, losers

T
Tom 663 days ago

The outcome of this match has been funny to behold. SA and Ireland have the most partisan fans in the world. So much passion, so much myopia.

B
Blanco 664 days ago

WANTING to play the greatest French team of all time in Paris in a QTR final knock out match. Ireland improved their chances enormously by putting the other big physical beasts: FRA, SA, ENG in same half of the draw. Could they not see how deflated SA players were at final whistle? If you can't beat Ireland in Paris then you can't beat France in Paris either, not in a QTR at least.

A
Ace 664 days ago

Hey Naaige,


I see your meds haven't kicked in yet.


Sorry to spoil your hallucination, but Ireland deserved their victory and the majority of Saffas are totally fine with that, because, unlike you, we were able to enjoy an epic test between the best two teams on the planet, where the result was in the balance until the final whistle.


But of course you haven't the ability to appreciate that. You need to get professional help, mate.

s
sean 664 days ago

People that think SA threw the match are as moronic as click baters that generalise on the supporter base

r
robert sutadi 664 days ago

F.u.

S
SF 664 days ago

No we are not. Ireland were the better team. Definitely.

It was an epic test match and a privilege to watch. Both sides had missed opportunities. If Ireland did not lose their first 4 lineouts it could have been game set and match done in the first 20 minutes. Same with the Boks missing opportunities. No sour grapes here mate.

Was a good wake up call for the Boks.

The knockouts are coming and Ire and the Boks are far from getting through them. I will never write off NZ or the French.

Go Bokke

D
DC 664 days ago

think south africa would rather play the allblacks again rather than france

l
lot 664 days ago

yeah Right. what a stupid piece to waste time on. Which RWC Champion would rather lose face to win another cup? 2019 with one loss is not the same as an undefeated champion. jog on stupid

C
CO 664 days ago

Boks were poor in the backs and still should've been awarded a penalty try for Irelands flagrant maul collapse in the last minute. Ireland played to the peak of their potential and still were extraordinarioy luck to finish with the win.


What is does show is that the referees are going to be very reluctant to make a big decision in the last minutes if a test.


Boks can improve more than the Irish but it's going to be difficult to reset their misfiring backline this close to knockout rugby, they'll use Pollard against Tonga but if he looks rusty then they're in big trouble for their quarter.


The facts are currently that the English have the least squad disruption and the Allblacks have two games to play with everyone available except a prop who will be fired up for the quarter.


It's too wide open to make a call but it could potentially be a Wales versus England final.


One thing is certain ...quarter final upsets

C
CM 664 days ago

England have less squad disruption than Ireland? What disruption have Ireland experienced?

H
HOFer 664 days ago

Ummm that was not Ireland to the peak of their potential. The lineouts were shambolic

J
John 664 days ago

🤣

R
RS 664 days ago

South Africa would not of won even if they had a kicker? Ireland would have compensated? Come on!! How would Irleand have compensated towards the end of the game if SA had an extra 11 points for kicking???? All of a sudden grabbing two tries out of their pocket? It took them the whole game to only score one try.

A
Adam 663 days ago

Was it not the same for south africa plus it took them 51 minutes to score it.

G
Guy 664 days ago

If, if, if… But in the end, SA lost

r
robert 664 days ago

Game lasts 80 min boet and SA wouldn’t have just dumped 11 points towards the end of the game. Ireland are world class and they would have played a different game if behind. Just as SA would have if they were in front. Many many ifs there though. Boke lost.

H
HU 664 days ago

The 7-1 bench split was announced prior to the game France vs. Namibia. So unless Rassie himself or someone in his team is able to scry the future, that part does not add to support the "Boks holding back" ....

the decisions to not go for corner but to try your luck from the tee, is another story - doubt SA would be performing that in the playoffs ....

but then again, to me it was pretty obvious the Boks really wanted to win the clash, and I am pretty much certain none of those on the field gave a hoot about "All Blacks" or "Les Bleus" last Saturday .....

J
Jimmy 665 days ago

Theories are like models - inherently flawed or wrong.

D
David 665 days ago

After every game the Boks lose there is always some excuse. Usually it is the opposition cheating in some way or the referee. Only this time, the referee actually let them away with a lot (notably closing the gap in the lineout) and coached them out of penalties at the breakdown. So they can't blame Ben O'Keefe.


So they need to find some way to rationalize the loss. In fairness to most Springbok fans and commentators they are giving due credit to Ireland and especially their work at the breakdown.


So it seems like the psychological line seems to be "oh if we had a goalkicker we would have won" or "the coaching team weren't really trying, they were ... eh ... practicing, testing the kickers for the knock out games ... hiding our devastating maul ... deliberately losing to play France".


It's pathetic really.


And frankly an insult to the SA players who put their hearts and souls into that performance and played like heros, men possessed.


Why not just say, "what a game, played between two great teams who played hard but clean, no cards, no injuries, what a privilege we all had to watch it and one team emerged a winner in a very close game that could have gone either way".

P
Paul 664 days ago

And when the Boks win the World Cup you can whinge at how Ireland beat the Boks, yet have nothing to show for it.

You have plenty of time preparing.

Please guys,I believe no one ever play a hard physical game just to lose.

Yes , SA left 11 points out there, but Ireland also messed up some opportunities.

It's a game, and we love it.

And Yes, Winning matters.

But the Values of Raggas is also important.

J
JoNo 664 days ago

Most SA fans are doing just that David. Masotti is some high powered New York lawyer and Sharks owner. None of my Saffa click (bottom feeders) think we wanted to loose on purpose Ireland was better than us on the night. That's all there is to it. PS. If you think you lost the line outs cos we closed the gap.... well I'll just say keep thinking that!

r
robert 664 days ago

Look at the source of the article before making accusations my friend. Some journalist based in London hardly speaks for us “Saffa’s” and I’m certainly not either but hopefully you can eat some humble pie after my comments. No one is complaining (except the journalist on buck to do so…very fresh). Ireland were deserved winners. They won the game as they won the breakdown and turnovers. That’s the bottom line. Even if the Boke had been good with the boot, Ireland would have compensated to find away. Best team on the day won. And to the journalist!!! Just to make it clear, Our team selection and intent was named 2 days before DuPont took an unfortunate hit. We are not mind readers that can predict the future. Anyone or team that devises a plan to choose to play NZ over France or vis versa would be a fool.

d
d 665 days ago

After every team’s loss there’s finger pointing and blaming. The Scots did it against the Boks. The rugby world for Fiji against Wales. Dysel should have been sentenced to death or at least life imprisonment, for his role in attempted murder of DuPont. The only thing constant at this World Cup is the useless referees and northern hemisphere “fans” showing what hypocunts they are. Unbelievable the double standards of you *uckheads! STFU!

P
PaPaRumple 665 days ago

If you think that boks not pushing for lineouts and driving mauls when getting penalties then I can't help you bro. Boks played to win and give it all they had in terms of physicality but definitely held back on the game plan side of things. What would be the point showing you hand in a dead rubber match? We are not moaning or crying but as fans we can see the coaches choice to not play our usual game has something to do with holding back for the real knock out games. Deny it if you want I don't care but boks will have the last laugh of that I'm certain.

M
Ma 665 days ago

Booooooooring

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PL 1 hour ago
Lions Tour Aussie takes: Bigger is better, the stars who failed to fire

I find it interesting that journalists who have done nothing in rugby comment on selections & coaching like they are experts

Concussive injury’s will remove insurance cover from the game unless their is strict application of the laws designed to remove MND Parkinson’s and CTE from the game


Head on head I saw red to Adam Coleman as tackler for Irish while unconscious on a stretcher - concussions occur without twitching on the ground or the wobbly boot - I know I had maybe 20 from rugby


The officiating of last feet is non existent

The lack of effective wrap by Lions front rower & that decision had a close relationship with ordure in a toilet

A head on head tackle red for Coleman not even penalty lead to a try in a phase or 2


Powys v Evans lead to a £> 2 mill verdict against the ref personally special leveraged to Hiuse of Lords

Refs will stop reffing with no insurance then no game


About 5 years ago 4 or 5 French colts died from head hits in elite club games - that led to below sternum law - hamlets honoured in breach not observance

Last feet non existent - enforcement favour flowing rugby nor lions meat grinder forwards get momentum and puck & drive NZ Vowel noise


The UK Class Action could be very well be lost WRC will try every dirty trick in case they already used dial a neuros to argue the unarguable is law gossip


I reffed ref coached & assessed for ruffly 17 seasons


The application of laws is like a zig zag on speed

Line out laws not enforced scrums tight pulling loose down one side mirror on other side elbow pointing to ground stretch marks on jersey

Der moment the refs need to go Soec Savers

My bet unless they stop lack of intestinal fortitude game management


Yellow every time head contact or above sternum


Needs sterner GMGs material impact removed set piece caterpillar remove

Last feet to last feet + 1 m


When I reffed I kept them well apart - hated me till they got over yellow and they actually had fun & complemented me post game backs had room and pick and drive had momentum


As for intentional foul play like tackle in air auto red no replacement 100,000 fine player 250,000 club


Treble it for international 26 week suspension & it’s disappear over night

25 were scrum for dissent


Penalty all this rubbish shots at opponents after error


All the s.ite would disappear


The pathetic unsportsmanlike behaviour would lead to standards


Remember Les Boyd’s penalty re Brohman -if that is the way we treat foul play but while foul play with potential serious injury with a feather duster like we are the game is destined to no insurance following that no refs cause would you risk bankruptcy like Powys v Evans

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S
Soliloquin 2 hours ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

237 Go to comments
S
Soliloquin 2 hours ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


I really hope that:

-Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

-Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

-Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

237 Go to comments
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LONG READ Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France