South Africa drew first blood in their Test series with Ireland with a well-earned 27-20 win on home soil in a back-and-forth encounter.
The rivalry between the two nations is at an all-time high, with Ireland getting the better of the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup last year although it was South Africa who went on to win that tournament.
The hosts made a ferocious start to the contest, Kurt-Lee Arendse getting in over the whitewash early but Ireland showed resolve to trail within reach at the break.
South Africa ultimately forged clear in the second-half, with Ireland's pack struggling against physical opposition on a mixed day for those in green shirts.
Ireland's standout back was scrum-half Craig Casey - who excelled on just his fourth ever Test start for his country.
The diminutive Munster man thrived, despite the pressure put on his side at the breakdown, before being stretchered off the field after a collision with former clubmate RG Snyman.
The hit from the 6'9" lock, although not blatantly cynical, caused Casey's head to bounce off the pitch and he was subsequently treated by the Irish medical team amid concerning scenes.
While there was debate on social media over whether Snyman's hit should have been penalised, fans were fairly unanimous in their disapproval of the stadium DJ's decision to play music as Casey lay prone on the pitch.
6 July 2024; Kwagga Smith of South Africa is tackled by Craig Casey of Ireland during the first test between South Africa and Ireland at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Fans slam South Africa PA operator for 'disrespect' during Craig Casey injury scenes
Medics rushed to treat Casey on the field as he lay prone in the aftermath of the hit, although that did not stop the stadium DJ from trying to spark celebratory scenes in the ground.
The song 'Sky Full Of Stars' by British band Coldplay was played out on the stadium's PA system as Casey received medical attention, prior to him being moved onto a stretcher and carted from the field.
Thankfully, a conscious Casey gave a thumbs-up gesture to the crowd as he departed.
The moment drew the ire of many onlookers, who vented their frustration with the apparent disrespect shown to a player who, as Andy Farrell later confirmed, had suffered a concussion.
Hope Craig Casey is ok. And whoever decided to put on Coldplay over the stadium PA while Casey was being treated stands on an upturned plug while in bare feet.
— Ruairí O'Hagan (@Haganator) July 6, 2024
Craig Casey down with a serious injury and needed oxygen and a stretcher and you guys playing Coldplay over the speaker system! Have some respect….
— Paul Roche (@proche1) July 6, 2024
Surely someone is taking the piss playing coldplay and having the stadium announcer speaking as Craig Casey is being brought away on a stretcher? Wtf
— Jim Flano 🌐 (@jimFlanagan_) July 6, 2024
Stadium announcer busy whipping up the crowd while an injured Ireland player lies on the pitch being attended to.
Wishing Craig Casey a speedy recovery. #TeamOfUs #RSAvIRE— Kevin Bateson (@kevbateson) July 6, 2024
Farrell expanded on Casey's serious injury setback after the game, admitting that the player was 'not quite himself' after the game.
He’s concussed," Farrell said.
"He was still on the trolley when I came in at the end so obviously it was concerning enough but he was up and walking around, not quite himself yet but he’s up and about and wondering what’s going on.
Farrell also lamented a couple of key decision from the TMO, while suggesting that people can make their 'own decision on the Craig thing' as he reflected on the officiating.
