RWC 2023 Ireland v South Africa Buildup - Sat 23rd Sep 20:00 Paris

It is insane that the two top ranked teams in the world meet in the group and that both will likely progress regardless of the result. Same with France v NZ on opening night, which was a damp squib.

Hopefully we get a belter this weekend, both teams will be going all out to win but they'll know that losing isn't the end of the road, you don't win WCs in the pool. There's a reasonable chance of an Ireland v SA final in which case this game will likely see a whole lot of spice added.

On the relative preparation of the teams I guess to depends on how long you think is relevant, but the list of Ireland's run of victories is strong enough over the last year. Its been fascinating to observe how some players have seemingly gone off the boil (VDF, JGP, Furlong, Lowe) while others have hit the form of their lives (Bundee, Beirne, Sexton, Murray, Herring, Hansen). I'm not suggesting the former aren't playing well, rather just not making headlines in the way they were at the start of this list. Partly they've been overshadowed by how well some of the others have stepped up more recently. Honestly, it would have been hard a year ago to wish for this team to be a better position coming into this game.

NZ x 2

SA

Fiji

Aus

Wales

FR

Italy

Scotland

Eng

Itally

England

Samoa

Romania

Tonga

Dont even mention that 2017 game. My parents came over to visit and we went to that game. Still havent gotten our refunds from SARU.

I mean the actual physical fight, because lets face it, theres going to be one, like the scuffle in the Scotland game where he was involved. Especially if SA is trailing by a significant margin in the last 20 minutes. But Etzebeth has been a very good boy the last couple years, even if teams set out to antagonize him.

Maybe thats his problem. He has to keep his emotions under control, and its affecting his game. He needs that fire in him to bring his A game, and if he is picked for this weekend then he might need to bring that fire. Just stop himself this side of a yellow card...

Absolute horseplay and carnage levels to go through the roof when we win

Not familiar with the incident.

Looking at his record, his last Yellow Card was on 24 September 2021 vs Argentina, and before that a YC on 25 August 2018, also against Argentina.

Thats not bad going for someone with his reputation.

You spelt cornage wrong

Tonight seems fairly early to be announcing a team for a saturday game, isnt it?

If Etzebeth was touch and go I wouldve thought they would wait another day or as long as possible to announce the team to give him every chance.

Announcement tonight means either he is already good to go, or they already know he will be out for another week, so no reason to wait.

Are there any rules on them including him in the team if he is still not recovered, and then replacing him on the day before the game starts?

Hence me asking the question, if there are any rules around that. Obviously people get injured and need to be replaced last minute, but if a player was already injured then maybe there are certain rules around it? Idk, asking the question.

And there i was looking forward to saying the Boks look jaded at some point :-)

Still be wearing jade shorts and bit of jade in the socks.

Hoping by the end of the game I can say the Irish look green with jealousy.

7/1 is back! Springboks shock with seven forwards on bench for crunch Ireland World Cup clash https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/worldcup/71-is-back-springboks-shock-with-seven-forwards-on-bench-for-crunch-ireland-world-cup-clash-20230919

Very risky, maybe too risky. I dont like.