Is Ireland currently outperforming the Springboks? A former player thinks so, but how many of Ireland’s key players would secure a spot on the Springbok squad?
This week, Sam Warburton, a legend of the British & Irish Lions and Wales, sparked a fascinating debate by claiming Ireland is a “more complete” team than the Springboks.
Despite the Springboks securing consecutive World Cup titles last year and Ireland being eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the global tournament, despite entering as the top-ranked team, South Africa reclaimed the top spot in the world rankings by the tournament’s end.
Nevertheless, Ireland has been narrowing the gap, especially after an impressive start to the Six Nations. Should they complete a Grand Slam, there will likely be discussions about them being the top team globally.
However, the Springboks will have their say when they resume play mid-year, notably with two matches against Ireland set for July.
Delving deeper into this discussion, it’s intriguing to ponder how many Irish players would actually fit into a Springbok team under a hypothetical scenario.
Rugby is undeniably a team sport, and while Ireland might be more than the sum of its parts, it’s hard to imagine many Irish players breaking into a Springbok XV.
HOW MANY IRISH PLAYERS WOULD ACTUALLY BE STARTERS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS?
Considering the front row, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, and Andrew Porter are formidable, but it’s questionable whether they’d replace the Springbok’s front-row powerhouses.
Eben Etzebeth’s position at No 4 seems secure, though there might be a 50-50 argument for Tadhg Beirne joining him in the second row.
In the back row, Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit are seen as irreplaceable for the Springboks, and with Duane Vermeulen retired, Peter O’Mahony from Ireland might have a chance if he could adapt to No 8.
In the backs, Ireland boasts a top-tier centre in Bundee Aki, yet it’s debatable whether he surpasses Damian de Allende. Similarly, Robbie Henshaw’s skills are undeniable, but it’s unlikely he’d displace Lukhanyo Am or Jesse Kriel in a Bok XV.
The only Irish back who might narrowly fit into the Springbok starting lineup is James Lowe, though this is far from certain.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In my view, only two or three Irish players might be contenders for a starting position in the Springbok XV. This might seem biased, but it’s difficult to conclude otherwise.
*Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below this article.
THE IRELAND TEAM THAT PLAYED AGAINST WALES LAST WEEKEND:
Ireland: 15 Ciaran Frawley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.
Substitutes: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Oli Jager, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Stuart McCloskey.
