A third test against Ireland would’ve thrilled fans

As we light the fire and ready ourselves for the Springboks’ first rugby Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein today, you still have to wonder why there wasn’t a third Test against Ireland this weekend.

With the series evenly-poised at 1-1, a third encounter between the two nations would surely have been a cracker.

The Boks won the first Test two weeks ago at Loftus 27-20 and the Irish bounced back with a lastgasp 25-24 triumph in Durban last weekend.

There hasn’t been too much to separate between the two teams – albeit that the Irish have had the better of the four-time world champions since 2017.

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They are the No 1 and No 2-ranked teams in the world, after all.

We’re not the only ones gasping for more. Even though New Zealand were too good for England in their two-Test series, it was riveting, evenly contested rugby, while Australia had to dig deep against Wales to win the series 2-0, and Argentina and France also played to a series draw, strengthening the call for three-Test series.

We mean no disrespect to Portugal who, during the World Cup last year, showed they are an improving team.

It is certainly good for the game and it’s a good plan on paper by World Rugby to help the tier 2 teams gain exposure.

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But if you are honest, would you rather be watching the Irish series decider today, or effectively a Bok B team play against Portugal?