Ireland and South Africa will kick off their two test series this weekend, with there already being quite a bit of building animosity between the teams ahead of Saturday's fixture in Pretoria.
The two sides have developed quite the rivalry in recent years, with the South Africans seemingly peeved by what they have deemed as an apparent lack of respect from their Irish counterparts. They have criticised the Irish media for the way they have covered the Springboks, although a video released on their official social media channels this week would leave you to wonder who is really driving this feud.
Unfinished business 😳#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/GFz5s12nib
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 2, 2024
South Africa fans, in particular, seem to hold a fair bit of animosity towards Irish rugby in general. You need only look at the social media comments on any post on South Africa from an Irish source to see that dynamic in action.
We were provided with another example of that this week.
READ HERE: Jackman Makes Compelling Case For Craig Casey To Start v Springboks
South Africa fans make bizarre kit complaint ahead of Ireland game
Ireland and South Africa will face off in Pretoria on Saturday at 4pm Irish time, with this being one of the more highly anticipated summer tests in recent memory.
With the two sides both sporting a green home kit, the Springboks will wear a changed white jersey for this fixture. Of course, the home side changing their kit to avoid a colour clash is a long-standing tradition in rugby.
However, it seems that the move has angered quite a few South Africa fans.
After The 42 journalist Murray Kinsella shared news of the kit change on twitter, it was met with a bizarre reaction from quite a few Springboks fans.
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 3, 2024
So, the home team, must wear an away jersey at home?
The Irish are not beating the allegations, what loathsome bunch. 🙄 https://t.co/u0h1dcMiBs— Krila (@Athi_Gaqa) July 4, 2024
Actually blasphemous. Can’t remember the last time I watched a springboks home game where they wore anything but green https://t.co/n27qvzSvb3
— Jared (@Hurts4Prez) July 3, 2024
number one reason why I hate Ireland https://t.co/6TAqApqP1a
— e- ᴇʏ ᴄᴏᴀᴄʜ! (@_wan29_) July 4, 2024
What the f*ck for? https://t.co/bJ0N8fDLfU
— Fully depreciated, still in use. (@ModernDyan) July 3, 2024
Funny I thought the boks were playing at home. 🤔
— Simmo (@Crabbtales) July 3, 2024
Why???!!!
They the away side— Joga Bonito (@Sobelweski_Mqi) July 3, 2024
It has been the case in recent years that some away sides have worn changed kits during test games, especially in the Six Nations.
However, it remains the tradition during summer and autumn tests. For example, Ireland wore a changed kit when these two sides faced off in Dublin 2022.
While this is clearly a nothing story, knowing South Africa, they will manage to turn it into some sort of slight against them.
It should only add to what is already looking like a tantalising game on Saturday afternoon.
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