At last it’s finally here as history unfolds this Saturday with Ireland take on the reigning World Champions, South Africa for the first time in World Cup history.
This meeting is more than just a game; it’s a clash of the top two teams in the world , where strategy, skill, and intense rivalry will define the game.
In a move that has left the rugby community buzzing with anticipation, South Africa has thrown in a curveball this week. Announcing their team on Tuesday, they unveiled a surprising roster: a staggering 7 forwards on the bench with just a single back. While the potential use of Kwagga Smith as an emergency centre remains an option, this decision is undeniably audacious.
This strategy can either solidify the South African coaches as unparalleled masterminds or brand them as reckless gamblers. In the high-stakes world of rugby, where every move is scrutinised and every decision can tip the scales, this unexpected lineup has intensified the spotlight on South Africa's coaching team.
Will this daring move pay off, leading to a strategic masterstroke that could reshape the narrative of the game? Or will it backfire, giving critics ample fodder? As the world eagerly awaits the showdown, only time will tell if South Africa's gamble will lead to triumph or become a cautionary tale in rugby lore.
Since the World Cup draw nearly 3 years ago, Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, along with his coaching team, have been meticulously crafting strategies to dethrone the world champions. Over the past two years, this resilient Irish team has come through every challenge, clinching a Grand Slam and securing their position as the No.1 team in the world as they look to replicate their victorious outcome from last November.
As we approach D-day, let’s delve deeper into the strategies that Ireland might employ to unsettle the robust South African defence.
Decelerating the Defence Line Speed
In a bid to disrupt the South African defence line speed, Ireland may borrow a leaf from teams like New Zealand. Through calculated kicks into spaces behind the rushing defence, Ireland aims to put a hint of doubt in the minds of the South African players. But South Africa will be ready for this one with a potential response through their blindside winger and fullback. Ireland will look to flood the ruck if that happens forcing a penalty.
Ireland have to find different ways to slow South Africa's linespeed - going into the chip space or into the air early & often might get a return. First play in November - showed the concept. NZ did it too. #IREvRSA #Rugby #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/mCWneKcc9r
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) September 19, 2023
A secret weapon in Ireland's arsenal might be the “rainbow pass”. This tactic involves executing passes over the blitz to runners in the far outside channels, a move laden with risk but promising enormous rewards if successfully executed.
Overcoming the Blitz Defence
South Africa is renowned for their formidable defence, often displaying a bigger hunger when the opposition has the ball. Their unique strategy involves initiating the defence from the outside, forcing the opposition back inside towards their massive, physical forwards, thereby exerting immense pressure on the attacking skills of the attack.
To counter this, Ireland might exploit the space between the touchline and the 15m channel, forcing South Africa to constantly reset their short-side defence and defend repetitively. This move will not only nullify the blitz but potentially leave the South African defence startled and vulnerable.
Dominating the Aerial Battle
To dismantle the narrow defence of South Africa, Ireland is likely to engage in an aerial duel, positioning taller players like Peter O’Mahony in wide channels to overpower South African wingers such as Kolbe and Arendse in aerial confrontations.
#RSAvIRE - the World's best Attack v World's best Defence . Interested in people's views how you'd deal with South Africa's blitz defence #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KPwHWhoKs7
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) September 19, 2023
Ireland put huge pressure on South Africa’s kicking game in November and you’d expect the same on Saturday.
Some really poor kicking by #springboks yesterday. Normally its a massive strength for them #IREvRSA pic.twitter.com/2TmgYQBLbY
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) November 6, 2022
Clash of the World’s Best Attack
This Saturday promises a monumental clash where the best-attacking team faces off against the world’s most formidable defence. A ground where one of the teams will have to relent, giving way to an electrifying showdown that will keep fans at the edge of their seats.
Lineout and Scrum Battles
In the lineout confrontations, stars like Etzebeth and Mostert will grace the field, setting the stage for an intense battle to secure quality ball possession. Under the guidance of lineout coach Paul O'Connell, Ireland’s stalwarts like James Ryan and Peter O’Mahony are gearing up to launch a formidable response. Ireland may look to occasionally bypass the lineout and throw to a lifting pod over the 15m line or may even copy Scotland and throw to one of the backs to launch an attack.
Will Ireland go over the 15m to secure some Lineout Ball v South Africa/Avoid the big defence. Scotland won some quality ball there too. #IREvRSA #Rugby #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/9guoPcIi0b
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) September 18, 2023
Simultaneously, referee Ben O'Keeffe from New Zealand is bracing himself to manage the scrum battle, a segment promising dark arts and fierce competition, especially with South Africa showcased immense power in winning the 2019 title.
That South Africa scrum is ridiculous! 💪#ENGvRSA #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/qPXqdItGin
— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 2, 2019
As we gear up for Saturday, one thing is crystal clear: it will be an epic battle where the foresight and strategies of the coaching staff will play a pivotal role in determining the winner.
