Springboks suffer first loss in epic battle
The Courier spoke to former Springbok and Zimbabwe tighthead prop and Simbithi Eco Estate resident, Adrian Garvey, for his take on the game.
It may not have been a try fest but South Africa’s game against Ireland at the weekend was an inarguably immense test match.
Widely regarded as two of the best three teams on the planet at present, alongside France, the match-up was one that had been circled in supporters’ calendars for months leading up the World Cup.
And despite the 13-8 loss for South Africa, the game delivered some beautifully brutal rugby between the teams, who can both rue missed opportunities.
We spoke to former Springbok and Zimbabwe tighthead prop and Simbithi Eco Estate resident, Adrian Garvey, for his take on the game.
“Because of the time I thought I might not stay up for the full game, but like most of South Africa I could not help but stay glued to the screen. It was an absolutely world class game in my opinion,” said Garvey.
“Well done to Ireland. Thanks for the battle and we’ll see you at the war.”
Ireland had the stronger start of the teams but lost some momentum after four missed lineouts in a row.
After a period of stoic defence however, the Irishmen capitalised on a Bundee Aki break and subsequent penalty to get winger Mack Hansen over in the 33rd minute.
Flyhalf Manie Libbok’s sole penalty meant it was 7-3 in favour of Ireland at the break.
Winger Cheslin Kolbe scored early in the second half to give the Springboks a brief lead, but a missed conversion would partially tell the story of the game.
“A lot has been said of the goalkicking and I understand why, but the stranger decision to me was attempting two penalties from inside our own half with no specialist kicker,” said Garvey.
“With all of this forward power, including the 7-1 split on the bench, why did it take us until the 79th minute to kick to the corner and set our maul?”
For the record, Libbok missed a conversion and a penalty, while scrumhalf Faf de Klerk missed two penalties from over 50 metres out. Eleven points left on the board.
One would have to imagine a returning Handrè Pollard starts against Tonga on Sunday with a view to getting him match-fit for the knockout stages should South Africa progress.
With the loss on Sunday, Ireland remain top of Pool B on 14 points, followed by South Africa on 10 and Scotland on 5 (Scotland do have a game in hand).
No team is mathematically qualified as yet, but should South Africa beat Tonga and Ireland beat Scotland as predicted, then Ireland would go through in first and South Africa in second.
If that is how it plays out, the Springboks would likely face France in the quarter-finals and one of England or Fiji in the semi-finals.
Are South Africa still the favourites?
“Without a doubt, yes. If we can stay injury free from here on out, I think this team has everything it needs to go all the way.”
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