Springboks fans and pundits didn't hold back following their side's 19-16 defeat in the Ireland v South Africa Test tonight.
In a match that had it all, it was Andy Farrell's side that edged a hugely physical encounter, in the first meeting between the sides in five years.
While there pundits from both countries thought Cheslin Kolbe was lucky to escape with just a yellow for his tip tackle on Mack Hansen in the first half, many South African fans were aggrieved with the refereeing of the game.
Ireland v South Africa: Boks Twitter up in arms
South Africa fans didn't hold back in their assessment of the side, particularly in the kicking side of the game. Perhaps our favourite tweet of the night came after a bit of gamemansmanship from Johnny Sexton in kicking that decisive penalty in the second half.
Almost 90 seconds to take that kick by Sexton. Unvelievable. Makes a mockery of of speeding up the game
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 5, 2022
Lots of others pointed out the (clear) forward pass in the build-up to Mack Hansen's outstanding try.
Dodgy scrum penalty and clear forward pass in the lead-up to that penalty and then Ireland maul try.
— Simon Borchardt (@SimonBorchardt) November 5, 2022
But ke even some of the calls by the ref were ridiculous. I keep hearing people talk about "homeground advantage" but I bet even if this match was played in Loftus those calls would have favoured Ireland 🤦🏽♂️. #IREvRSA #Springboks #SSRugby
— Blues Valisi (@bluesvalisi) November 5, 2022
It’s American Football here and the ref is having it … pic.twitter.com/n8C6X8ZESj
— IG: johngoliath (@JohnGoliath82) November 5, 2022
However when the dust cleared, Boks twitter was mostly blaming its players and coaches for the loss to Ireland.
One player that came in for heavy criticism after the game is Damian Willemse, who made his first start at fly-half. Having shone in the URC for Stormers at full-back and centre, he had a disappointing display at ten.
Fly-half is a major issue for South Africa, and it showed today as Willemse handed kicking duties over to Cheslin Kolbe after 30 minutes, with Kolbe also playing an unfamiliar role at full-back after coming back from injury.
The reaction to Willemse's performance was brutal online, as many pundits and fans claim an alternative option at 10 may have swung the game in their favour.
#FinalScore #Ireland 19 #SouthAfrica 16 #IREvSA #IREvRSA
Please don't ask South Africa to kick as the Springboks don't have a kicker.
Congratulations Ireland 🏆👍 pic.twitter.com/zTFc1H1U6U— Rugby RSA 🏉 (@Rugby_RSA) November 5, 2022
The Boks played Ireland in Ireland and tried to win having Kolbe kicking at goal.
You all let that sink in.— Wade Pretorius (@wadepretorius) November 5, 2022
My Springbok thoughts on tonight:
• Damian Willemse struggled to lead the team and get them into good areas of the field.
• Hendrickse should’ve take over kicking duties
• Kolbe at 15 was bad call
• Boks waisted a lot of opportunities in that first half— RHABULA ☕️ (@Rugby_Scoop) November 5, 2022
I backed Willemse all week as a flyhalf and one that could drive the Boks forward.
Always thought he was more of a fullback but some of his performances this year may have given me false hope.
Flyhalf is a serious problem for the Springboks. #IREvRSA— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 5, 2022
In an extremely physical first half, there was little to separate the sides, with two penalties from Johnny Sexton and a penalty each from Kolbe and Willemse saw the sides go in 6-6 at the interval.
Kolbe can see himself fortunate not to see red for a dangerous tip tackle on Mack Hansen.
YELLOW CARD 🟨
Cheslin Kolbe sent to the bin for a dangerous challenge on Mack Hansen.#IREvSA | #ANS pic.twitter.com/09WJj8z3w5— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 5, 2022
The injury list for Andy Farrell will be of huge concern. Conor Murray left the field on his 100th appearance, while Stuart McCloskey’s horrible luck in international rugby continues as he left the field with a serious arm injury, while Tadhg Furlong was forced off at half-time.
Despite the injuries, Ireland came flying out of the blocks in the second half, a period in the game that Ireland have often struggled in. They had their first try through Josh Van Der Flier, as he did brilliantly to somehow get over from a maul that looked to be going out of play.
Their second try wasn’t long coming, with Hansen finishing off a brilliant team move, that all came from Hugo Keenan’s brilliant take in the air.
MACK HANSEN! ☘️
That is a stunning Irish try!!#IREvSA | #ANS pic.twitter.com/zPXM9FqSWj— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 5, 2022
South Africa kept in the game through their powerful side, and had their first try through Franco Mostert with 15 minutes remaining as they attempted a late comeback.
A penalty from Sexton made it a two score game, but a brilliant try from Kurt-Lee Arendse made it a nervy finish as Ireland held on for a 19-16 victory over the world champions.
SEE ALSO: The Jersey Color Clash Was Causing Huge Frustration For Ireland V South Africa Viewers
5 November 2022; Garry Ringrose of Ireland is tackled by Damian de Allende, left, Cheslin Kolbe, 15, and Steven Kitshoff of South Africa during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
