It's fair to say that Ireland's loss to England last week pumped the breaks on some of the suggestions that Andy Farrell's men are currently the best team in world rugby.
Ireland had played some sensational rugby up to that point in the championship, and while they would come up just short against New Zealand in the World Cup, in truth that run extends all the way back to the start of 2023. The fact that they also beat World Cup winners South Africa during the tournament made it a more interesting conversation.
Of course, those associated with South Africa never paid much heed to such talk. They are happy with their status in the game having lifted back-to-back Webb Ellis Cups.
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Rugby: Bryan Habana responds to claims Ireland are world's best
South Africa certainly deserve their status as the best team in the world, with the Springboks yet to play since their World Cup triumph last autumn.
Speaking on Sport24, Bryan Habana gave a blunt enough response suggestions that Ireland had overtaken his former side for that title.
Ireland has an exceptional win ratio, which commands respect. And the brand that Ireland is playing is extremely exciting.
Yes, the notion of the best team in the world is subjective. Did they [Ireland] not play winning rugby at the World Cup? Yes, they did but came unstuck against New Zealand and we walked away with the World Cup trophy.
They can say what they want about being the best team in the world, but that trophy is sitting in South Africa for the next three-and-a-half years...
Exciting rugby is great, scoring tries is great, but winning rugby is more important for me. You can play the best brand of rugby, but if you aren’t winning tournaments and games, then why do what we do?
Winning was better than playing nice rugby.
You can't really argue with that point of view.
South Africa and Ireland are the two best rugby teams in the world at the moment, and with the pair set to face off in a two-test tour later this summer, we should have a better idea on where the pair stand by the end of the year.
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