"We Are Going Through a Golden Generation of Players,” Says Former Springbok Breyton Paulse
The International rugby season has begun and former Springbok and current Supersport commentator Breyton Paulse takes a deep dive and analyse the much anticipated series between the Springboks and Ireland and the other international fixtures this weekend.
Review: Springboks vs Ireland Test 1
"As expected, a very intense battle and defiantly not the most fluent game but that is what you get when teams are going at each other. It was physical, it was fast and that's the difference with test match rugby, you need to be on song all the time,” Paulse told SportsBoom.com.
The Boks [Springboks] this time around were not chasing the game, Ireland had to and they did really well. There were some big moments, the disallowed try of James Lowe I felt was massive which swayed the momentum towards the Boks side.
Breyton Paulse
"The experience and work rate of the Bok players, some were a bit rusty which is expected but a guy like Pieter-Steph du Toit who is making 20 plus tackles a game shows you the commitment of this team and that's why they are World Champions."
Brown Factor on Attack
Former All Black Tony Brown was brought in before the season to be in charge of the attack and we saw glimpses of a different attack shape for the Springboks.
"What I liked about the game was the attacking side, which was influenced by Tony Brown. They had Kolisi [Siya] and du Toit in the outside channels, which was effective especially with that first try from Kurt-Lee Arendse.”
“Can you imagine if they can get it right, the rest of the world will certainly be a little worried. This gameplan certainly unleashes guys like Willie le Roux and Kurt-Lee Arendse into spaces. It was really encouraging but it is a work in progress.”
Most Capped Springbok Lineup vs. Ireland
Rassie Erasmus announced and unchanged side to take on Ireland in the 2nd test. The lineup will be the most capped Springbok lineup ever with 990 caps.
"That significant factor shows continuity and consistency from Rassie, Jacques [Nienaber], Stick [Mzwandile], Deon [Davids] and Daan [Human] all over the years has done with this team. They have been so consistent and so good at what they do, everybody understands their role and obviously there is no egos. Can you imagine, winning 2 world cups...it is easy to become complacent and its testimony to the management team for wanting more and inspiring the group."
As an ex-Bok, in some of my years we were taken out and sometimes for no reason. We had some dark times in the Bok cycle but the last couple of years, people need to appreciate what this generation did for Bok Rugby. These guys after winning the World Cup in 2019 had to come back to empty stadiums due to Covid, when they beat the British and Irish Lions
Breyton Paulse
"The professionalism of this group really blows my mind. It epitomises what world champions should be, we see the next crop coming in the likes of Feinberg-Mngomezulu [Sacha] and Jordan Hendrikse. The depth of this time is what every coach wishes and be proud of. I think we going through a golden generation of players, we need to appreciate and I don't think the guys get enough credit for what they have produced in a Bok jersey."
Controversial Calls
Every big Test Match have its fair share of controversial calls, there were a couple in the match. Andy Farrell after the game calling them dubious calls.
"Over the years and in my time too, we [Springboks] were never getting the calls to swing in our favour. Now, we see the Springboks getting those 50/50 calls going their way. From my understanding, once you lying down on the field it is deemed you are out of play and unfortunately the Irish player [Ronan Kelleher] was lying on the floor and kicked the ball back. With that technicality, it is a penalty for the Springboks. The officials did get it right."
"In terms of the Kolbe [Cheslin], it is again 50/50. As far as I know, when you get over the line or when the ball goes over the line it’s supposed to be a line-out. Obviously James Lowe was trying to keep the ball in play and his foot didn't touch the ground before he made efforts to keep the ball in play. Kolbe exploited that and scored the try. On any day it could've gone any way and the call went the Boks way."
Weekend Predictions
South Africa face Ireland for the 2nd Test down in Durban. The Springboks are unchanged and Ireland have 2 forced changes due to injuries in Connor Murray and Ronan Kelleher coming in for Craig Casey and Dan Sheehan.
"I called it last week, seven points in favour of the Boks. This week it’s a coastal game and it sort of helps Ireland a bit as they want to play a high tempo game. Ireland will come at the Boks and prove a point but I just feel the Boks have an unchanged team, they are going to be much sharper this week. Ireland are little bit disrupted with the changes. For me, it’s going to be another 4-5 points for the Boks.
England faced the All Blacks in closed roof in Dunedin and narrowly lost the first Test by 1 point. This week, the sides will clash again in Eden Park, a fortress for the All Blacks
"Eden Park has been a fortress for the All Blacks, they haven't lost there for a long time. Last week, the All Blacks got a bit of a scare, I rate Scott Robinson as a coach and I feel this time around they will be more prepared and much sharper. England are desperate as well and they probably felt hard done by. Marcus Smith again, missing crucial kicks and that's why they ultimately lost the game. There won’t be much in the game...7 points for the All Blacks."
Wales took on Australia, both these teams are in a rebuilding phase with coaches and personnel. Unfortunately Wales losing the first encounter by 9 points.
"Both Wales and Australia are building and I take my hat off to Wales, they really looked good at times. Australia with so many new players and their captain is out this week. Wales are certainly punching above their weight and obviously struggling but I think Warren Gatland can change the tide around for them, he has done it before. I called Australia to win last week by 10 and they won by 9. This week, I think Wales will bring the fight to Wallabies. 7 points for the Wallabies at home."
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.