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Two Springbok packs can't match the tempo of Ireland's one
By Ben Smith
The mythology of the Springboks bench grew more than an arm and a leg following the destruction of the All Blacks at Twickenham.
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Such was made about the power-packed forward replacements that many have forgotten to look at the team sheets.
The 7-man All Black pack was full of young talent in the second half with Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell barely putting together 10 caps between them. Newell, coming back from a six month foot injury, had been called upon in the 13th minute.
Josh Lord and Tupou Vaaāi anchored the second row, just 22-years-old and 23-years-old respectively.
This was boys against men in relative terms and the boys had one less to play with, calling on second five-eighth Jordie Barrett to pack down at scrum time.
But of course the context doesnāt matter and all of a sudden the 7-1 split is now the greatest thing in rugby and Ireland should be quivering at the thought of it because they beat up the All Blacksā kids.
Unless Ireland get an early red card up front and have a bench full of developing players, then they will be just fine.
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The two pack strategy is going to be less effective this time around, purely due to the losses South Africa have suffered.
Losing Malcolm Marx, the worldās best hooker and one of the strongest forces over the ball in the game, massively weakens the impact of this ploy.
Whether in the starting side or coming off the bench, Marx is a game-changer whose impact cannot be replaced.
More baffling is that they have replaced him with a loose forward in Deon Fourie.
That Fourie has played 15 games as a rake out of 127 club games does not make him a Test quality hooker. This bit part No 2 last played a game there in 2017 and most of his playing experience at the position was 10 years ago.
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Even hookers struggle to play hooker at Test level, such are the small margins for error. The selection of a career loosie smells of over-confidence that has the potential to backfire spectacularly.
Itās one thing to train at hooker it is another thing entirely to play hooker against the worldās number one team in the Test arena.
Duane Vermeulen has been in resurgent form this year, proving to be a handful off the bench against the All Blacks in Auckland earlier this season.
Ireland will be happy to see Jasper Wiese in his place instead, a wildcard No 8 who has habitually cost the Boks with discipline issues. Kwagga Smith is a powerful ball carrier but Ireland will feel they can handle his 1.80 metre frame.
Both Wiese and Smith were below par against the All Blacks at Mt Smart, leading to questions about the strength of the Springboks backrow in the aftermath.
When it boils down to it, this bench is not on the same level as the starting pack and the losses of Marx and Vermeulen are huge.
Although the bench brings fresh legs, injecting new players is a disruption that can ruin momentum. If Fourie canāt hit the timing on his throws, it doesnāt matter how powerful the maul is.
Often when new front rowers come on teams find their fortunes change at scrum time. So many teams can lose set-piece ascendency as fresh players get themselves into the game.
And of course, all it takes is one early injury in the backline outside of scrumhalf to completely derail this bench.
It looks like genius when it works but the day it is exposed, the foolishness will be apparent. That day will come sooner or later.
Irelandās forwards will not be bothered in the slightest and all the talk about how formidable the Springboksā two packs are will only put more fire in the belly.
The Irish pack play at a speed and tempo that the Springboks canāt match at full speed.
Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris, James Ryan, Peter OāMahony, and Josh van der Flier clear more bodies than a morgue.
The famed Irish missile cleanouts will be pummelling the backs of white jerseys with a little extra oomph and Jamison-Park will be clearing ball fast.
Tempo will decide this game and if Ireland reach theirs, the Boksā massive bench will turn into a massive liability.
If South Africa canāt slow the ball down their two packs are going to be fodder for the green machine.
But they beat the Pacific Lions twice with 7-1.
Current 2023 RWC squad.
1. Samisoni Frank Simpson Taukei'aho - Tongatapu, Tonga
2. Nepo Eti Laulala - Moto'otua, Samoa
3. Tyrel Shae Lomax - Canberra, Australia
4. Aniseto Ofa He Moori TuŹ»ungafasi - NukuŹ»alofa, Tonga
5. Leicester Ofa Ki Wales Twickenham Fainga'anuku - NukuŹ»alofa, Tonga
6. Emoni Narawa - Suva, Fiji
7. Finlay Turner Christie - Peebles, Scotland
8. Shannon Michael Frizell - Folaha, Tonga
9. Samisoni Frank Simpson Taukei'aho - Tongatapu, Tonga
More recent others
10. Pita Gus Nacagilevu Sowakula - Lautoka, Fiji
11. Samipeni Finau -Tonga
12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Apia, Samoa
13. Folau Fakatava - NukuŹ»alofa, Tonga
14. Sevuloni Lasei Reece - Nadi, Fiji
15. Vaea Tangitau Lapota Fifita - VavaŹ»u, Tonga
Others Professional Era
16. Apia, Samoa Anesi, Sosene Raymond
17. Apia, Samoa Brown, Olo Max
18. Apia, Samoa Clarke, Eroni
19. Apia, Samoa Collins, Jerry
20. Apia, Samoa Ieremia, Alama
21. Apia, Samoa Schuster, Nesetorio Jonny
22. Apia, Samoa Schwalger, John Evan
23. Falesiu, Samoa Tuigamala, Va'aiga Lealuga
24. Moto'otua, Samoa Laulala, Casey Daniel Eti
25. Moto'otua, Samoa So'oialo, Rodney
26. Moto'otua, Samoa Toeava, Isaia
27. Pago Pago, American Samoa Solomon, Frank
28. Salelesi, Samoa Muliaina, Junior Malili
29. Savai'i, Samoa Masoe, Matemini Christopher
30. Tutuila, American Samoa Kaino, Jerome
31. Ha'apai, Tonga Fekitoa, Malakai Fonokalafi
32. Ha'apai, Tonga Lauaki, Sione Tuitupu
33. Ha'apai, Tonga Taumoepeau, Saimone
34. Longoteme, Tonga Maka, Isitolo
35. Nuku'alofa, Tonga Alatini, Pita Faiva-ki-moana
36. Nuku'alofa, Tonga Riechelmann, Charles Calvin
37. Nuku'alofa, Tonga Vanisi, Osaiasi Kupu
38. Tonga, Tonga Batty, Walter
39. Tonga, Tonga Halai, Frank
40. Lautoka, Fiji Fraser, Bernard Gabriel
41. Lautoka, Fiji Jennings, Arthur Grahn
42. Levuka, Fiji Solomon, David
43. Nadi, Fiji Rokocoko, Josevata Taliga
44. Nausori Highlands, Fiji Matson, John Tabaiwalu Fakavale
45. Nausori Highlands, Fiji Vidiri, Joeli
46. Suva, Fiji Sivivatu, Sitiveni Waica
47. Suva, Fiji Williams, Ronald Oscar
Many of the Bok supporters that commented on this article with vitriol and hate towards B Smith should be eating crow. As an opinion, it wasn't far off the game result - but even if the Boks had won, the offense and hatred was pitiful. Live in the real world where the right to an opinion is not a criminal or professional offense and we can agree to differ.
with all of the anti Ben Smith brigade giving him a hard time. He wasn't too far off the mark in this article after all . This 7-1 split also was clearly not the answer. Some of the answer to SA today was sitting in the stands (Pollard) while kick after kick missed the target. Is this the end of the 7-1 split experiment ? It seems to be found out already . Great game by the way ....2 great teams ...neither playing their best but there is a chance we can meet again in the coming weeks
The bomb squad destroyed them in their first scrum. Scoring 5 points as a result.
I think Ireland probably had it after that though?
Hardly a subjective and balanced article, and full of emotive name-calling. Knowledgeable commentators recognise the pros and cons of both teams and their strategies.
Enough of this rubbish, from now one I check who the author is before reading anything on RugbyPass.
To Irish supporters, may your team be almost as good as ours this evening! Hopefully the game lives up to the hype, going to be a cracker.
Written like a troll not a rugby Pundit. The tone of this article stinks or bias. Write SA front row off at your own peril. Ben is thinking exactly what Rassie wants you to think he is a Genius. āSA going to try bully the forwardsā no he is playing a fast paced game and has 3 fetchers in the bench to compete at breakdowns. He Bongi is the one forward that will play close toy he full game. Rassie has fetchers that can fill in at hooker they are simply backup. Letās talk after the game Ben !
As soon as I saw the name ben smith I knew. 3 or 4 lines and it was his same old crap. I read no further. Tosser
Ireland is no1 for a reason but the Boks are also world champions for a reason and breathing down Ireland's neck, Boks lost to Ireland last year due to poor kicking, not because our so called slow pack couldnt hang with them or their great speed. Boks can match Ireland on every front, the advantage they have is a areliable kicker, if Mannie Fires today we have every chance to win just like Ireland has.
And again lost by kicking
Ireland will win this one.
Great alternative take on how the game could go. I have SA as slight favourites, but, if Ireland can click and find their A-game, we could win with clear water.
When one looks at the teams that Ireland have faced in the past 2 to 3 months, one wonders if they have been truly tested in their skillset. Playing mainly Tier 2 nations in the running to the World Cup is not a true test of your skills. They have played well but was it a little too easy for them? Who knows? I wait with baited breath for tonight.
Oh and BS with his BS continues.
This is all opinion based, and not based on research! The history of the two teams speaks for itself and so does a historic win over the All blacks. Not to mention nor Ireland or any other team has managed to get a score like that against New Zealand,
Well, it is an opinion piece, so it'll be somewhat controversial I guess. Having said that, there are some very sensitive comments below lol. I actually didn't know the ABs put a few youngsters out. Certainly the Irish pack is superior to what the ABs played that day. It was still pretty darn impressive all the same, kids or not (although there were seasoned guys in there too, to be fair).
It'll be close I think. What's more interesting is what each has saved for each other!
As a South African, I donāt find Ben Smith objectionable. He provides food for thought. There is a risk inherent to 7-1, but it might pay off. By the way, the All Blacks seldom lose two games in a row against the Boks. Iād rather face France in the play-offs, especially now that Duponte is doubtful. Still, I think the Boks will triumph tonight.
What if hooker Bongi Bnonambi plays for 60 minutes or even the full 80 minutes? Then Ben Smithās speculation falls flat. In other words, Fourie or Van Staden might play a small (or no) role in the front row and rather be deployed as loosies.
Is this the rugby player Ben Smith? Found new reasons to hate Souyh Africa after their record defeat and now the enemy of his enemy is his friend. So much love for Ireland who beat NZ in a series in NZ.
Nope. Not the same guy. BS the rugby player is a gentleman and knows a thing or two about raggas.
This guy is more than stupid, the Boks now is the result of 2 years changing the team per game, this 7-1 split plan started 2 to 3 years ago and what you now see is the end result, they did not care much on winning before the world cup, but that change from Twickenham and only now it is for the world to see, Scotland was on a high, nearly beaten France twice, still the Boks made it looked very easy, the Boks is going to smashed the Irish tomorrow and the world will be in shock, than Scotland will beat the Irish, mark my words.
Hows that going for ya?
Kiwi Ben Smith loves to elicit responses from certain fans who can't see his past his anti-Bok pieces for the rants they are: these are tailored to suck knee-jerk victims into the CS. He (appears) to (successfully) cater to a very small % of Kiwis (and certain England supporters) who can't stand the Boks on one side and an army of irate Saffas on the other.
Absolutely agree with you. But judging him from a professional journalist's POV he really is a poor reporter. If he is being encouraged by the editorial board to elicit irate and indignant responses, in exchange for writing very badly constructed pieces, I hope he is being paid a lot of money or at least the amount he places on his professional reputation.
Somebody please hand Mr. Smith a tissue. š¤£
This will be the last time the 7/1 spilt is used. Ireland by 15
This article is absolute drivel ... sad considering its previewing an epic RWC match up. I cant wait so see the 2 best teams in the world front up with the all the heightened levels of tactics / strategy / etc. Game too close to call... cant wait!
Bwahahaha Ben......nice one.
Based on the last couple of Ireland games, in particular against Samoa- it will be interesting to see if Ireland can produce the goods on the day. I'm sure Ben Smith knows exactly the reaction his Opinion piece was bound to provoke.
Boks by 15 maybe more letās see
Ben Smith where are you buddy , have you watched any rugby lately .
A blind man can see the boks are going to club the Irish to death , all that fancy pants tricks and gossip makes for a good post match story , the Irish are proud and we know what comes before a fall. Haha.
Btw Ben how on earth did you get the rights to write your story itās all BS mate.
What now spring? Are you blind? Big talker like many of your mates who are an embarrassment to your great team. Boks don't need your big mouth support and were not talking about clubbing anyone to death.
Lol triggered much? š
The Irish are proud? Man, one injury for a back and the Boks could be on serious trouble. Kelleher and Sheehan will absolutely game Fourie at scrum time too. If Ireland can get past the blitz defence early, this game will be wide open for them. Weāre not underestimating the Boks, itās silly to underestimate the no. 1 team as well
Higher, son, jump higher. Try harder.
Higher, son, jump higher. Try harder.
Nice one Ben, 130 comments all along the lines of "you must be joking, SA will eat those softy Irish for breakfast" (I didn't read them all), tells me you hit a sensitive bone š
Err.... no. Don't think the Irish are soft, or that we will eat them for breakfast. Two top teams battling it out.
yes fly little girl, fly.
Naai-jil pee pee'd his panties/
shame poor little girl, go ask mommy for a lollie
I think your post match follow up will be more useful than this piece of fiction š¤£
How about your post match piece? Full of scorn and offense at this piece. The only fiction was your response to this article. Big man all right.
Um.... right, the most powerful and aggressive pack in the world are not going to worry about tempo I promise. Size speed, power, raw aggression and a just don't give a damn attitude will decimate this Ireland pack, Ireland are just no match for the boks upfront, if you think they are try telling an alien abduction story rather or join a flat earthers group. Their only hope is in their backline... if the ball ever reaches them. Nice try but I will always believe the earth is round.
Hey Craig full respect to the Bok pack. But this Irish team is special I think you will be surprised.
This is a Ā« good piece of fiction Ā» š
Craig, if you allow Mr "BS" to get a reaction out of you, you might say things that leave you looking as silly as he often does.
Thats fighting talk!!!right there , sounds like you could be togging out yourself . Tough Guy :-)
š„±
Same sa packs were matched in Auckland by a single full strength ab pack. Ultimately they rely on slowing the game to win. After abs played tempo in Auckland for 20 the game was gone and slowing was not going to work when you are chasing. Watch for Ireland to force the pace for sure.
Why cant we just objectively discuss the advantages of both playing styles.
Granted all sides will be trying to emulate the MS approach but that got put to bed by the boks in the warm up agaisnt the kiwis and the Scots. Also the MS 20 minutes was against a very rusty bok side, something BS doesn't mention. Re slowing the ball wasn't that Ritchies only role?
The irish are favorites but barring Eng havent had a tough game for a few months. Thus the result of the game is a coin toss and likely the win is purely for bragging rights.
How long did it take SA to control the tempo of the game against NZ. A couple of minutes into the game Marx went down & the AB's best weapon, speed, was gone. This was the beginning of the end. SA are masters of slowing games down by controlling the frequency of whistle blowing. If they succeed with this tactic again the fresh forward pack coming on will be the difference.
I was brought up in a rugby environment and ethic that a game lasted 80 minutes no subs unless injuries and you trained hard accordingly, now we have a game where forward players only have to last 50mins go and have a rest and should you be required later - on you go. I have nothing against SA 7/1 split as they are playing to their obvious strength and not against the rules but this is not the game I played, scrum and lineout rule and the secondary shove at scrum time should be outlawed when the ball reaches the back row it should be used. not held for a penalty.
In SA in the 90s we were doing a secondary shove and not for penalties just for dominance and putting the back line onto the back foot
Well the game has moved on... a player from your/my day would not last a full 80 minutes of the modern game. It's called evolution.
refreshing outlook š
Some good points, Marx is a massive loss. That pack is still scary though
Dear Ben
Cant wait for the match, nor your post-match article - you are doing one, regardless of the result, right?
To those who complain about Ben Smith , he writes on this platform and seems to get the most comments . Thatās why they employ him . Heās only a content creator , it doesnāt matter what he says . None, nada , zero , zip has any impact in the real world . Who cares what he writes ? If you donāt like it donāt read it . Getting back to the article he does make some valid points . Heās brand is anti SA so that does negate his opinion . We all talking Ireland and SA but how were France ? Ok , Namibia , but wow amazing skills .
The āmythā after one match? Poor cuck
What's a cuck?
Food for thought definitely. However the power the Springbok pack have could negate the tempo. Its easy to up the tempo when you haven't been scrummaging against a good pack, if they are able to change that pack halfway through to one thats also equally good then it could sap the energy out of Ireland.
I could go either way and will definitely be one to watch this weekend
As a junior reporter on The Cape Argus in Cape town a wily old veteran Ace Parker who wrote many books on rugby told me that you should be very circumspect on your pre game pronouncements because they have a habit of coming back to bite you. There are two sorts of sports reporters he said, those who really don't care if they make complete asses of themselves and those who are professional enough not to let their wishes dictate their copy. Ben Smith is a sports reporter who has a big platform and he lets his emotions and wishes sway his writing. He is not what one would aspire to as a journalist. He will get away with whatever he writes. He may be right in this particular piece, but it is not a well considered piece of writing. He only gets away with his unthoughtful, emotion driven writing, because social platforms like this create forums for people who have no other way of being heard. So let's get something straight. There are really good journalists on this platform. Ben Smith is not one of them. He does nothing to advance constructive analysis or insight the way someone like Nick Bishop does. His base line of writing is emotionally driven, flawed and biased - the very things good journalists are wary of.
Not unlike your opinion then ? I thought it was a well thought out analysis...This game could go either way ....2 great teams , the 7-1 ploy for me is a smoke screen....it means very little and may backfire ....or it might turn out to be a stroke of genius ....if Marx was there and Esbeth is fully fit( doubt) and vermeulen to playing then I'd be much more worried as an Ireland fan ....however , they are not .....Dan Sheehan is back and will appear off the bench..and so there is equilibrium there ....but what do I know .....Let's not get lost in the hype of the 7-1 bench....its a smoke screen ! Its a 50 ;50 game with or without this sideshow
Ben I tried to understand your jealousy but I remembered you must suffer from a 357 syndrome
Definite potential for a total backfire
Is Ben Smith just a natural wanker, or just a bitter troll?
š¤£š¤£ ( I'll talk to you in emoji's from now on maybe you only understand emoji's)
I read the title of the article and immediately knew it was written by Ben Smith. Clicked to confirm.
Wonāt bother to read.
Iāll (rugby)passā¦
Harder, son, try harder. Jump higher.