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The Jake White verdict on 'power vs skill' Springboks-Ireland clash
By Liam Heagney
Jake White has shared his thoughts on Saturday night’s Rugby World Cup blockbuster in Paris between the Springboks and Ireland.
The meeting of the Pool B heavyweights at Stade de France – a clash between the defending champions and the world’s current No1-ranked side – has been the most hyped fixture so far at France 2023 and the grapevine has been bursting this week with various South African and Irish pundits giving their predictions on what will unfold.
Former Springboks coach White has become the latest to join the hot topic debate, sending a pre-game message to RugbyPass that perfectly sets the scene just hours before the kick-off of a match that has gripped the imagination of all fervent rugby supporters.
“As a Rugby World Cup winner 16 years ago in France, and a coach currently still involved in the game (at the Bulls), let me share my thoughts: Today is a wonderful Test match. It’s a test of power versus skill.
“It’s going to be intriguing and fascinating to watch. Does skill beat power or is power the dominant factor in a successful winning team?
"Are 15 forwards in a match day 23 the winning recipe? If so, then no one will beat the Springboks at this Rugby World Cup as no team will be able to match the power of the Boks' selection.
“This power versus skill debate in rugby has been around for ages. No team has been or will offer more skill than Ireland have in the last four years since the last World Cup. The Springboks and their bomb squad became champions by being too physical for any opponent.
“That is what makes rugby such a wonderful game as these debates will continue long after all of us are gone. Enjoy the contest. Cheers, Jake.”
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Latest Comments
I think it's the least likely possibility Ed.
Go to commentsScotland should win this one, considering they are the settled team compared to Australia. However, that is no guarantee that they will win. The Aussies tails is up, and they are throwing everything at the opposition.
When the Aussie fans cracked up and got angry when Joe Schmidt was appointed, I said to them to be patient, that he will get them on the right track. They said that he is not Australian and he won nothing. Second best. I should mind my own business because I don't know the Aussie ways, which is true as I'm SA.
However, now that he is bringing in results, they are all changing their minds. Joe is all in when he coaches a team. There is no team he supports more than the team he coaches. His quality is shining through properly now.
It's going to be a very tight game, much tighter than people realise. Both teams is playing exciting rugby right now. They both want to win. I'd even go as far as marking this game as the top game of the weekend.
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