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South Africa Hooker Calls Out Ireland 'Tricks' In The Scrum During First Test

South Africa Hooker Calls Out Ireland 'Tricks' In The Scrum During First Test
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton Updated
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While there were plenty of errors from both sides over the course of the game, it's fair to say that last weekend's first test between South Africa and Ireland was a fiercely competitive game of rugby.

The hostile Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria provided the ideal setting for what was a true heavyweight showdown between two brilliant teams, one in which the hosts ran out as deserved winners.

South Africa were the better side for the vast majority of the game. Not only did they show an unexpected expansiveness in their attack, but they also defended in the resolute manner that we have come to expect from Rassie Erasmus' side.

Ireland had some successes of their own on the day, particularly in the scrum. The tourists held up surprisingly well in that area, at least until the closing stages of the game.

However, some on the Springboks side have questioned their exploitation of the rugby laws in the game.

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Rugby: South Africa Hooker Calls Out Ireland 'Tricks' In The Scrum

South Africa are a team that are used to being superior to the opposition in the scrum, meaning they grew frustrated during Saturday's game against Ireland.

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It seems as though they were not happy with some of the methods used by their opponents on the day.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's second test, South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi questioned the 'tricks' Ireland used in the scrum during the last game and called for a 'fair contest' in that area.

There's a lot of improvement to be done when it comes to scrumming against them.

I think when it comes to scrums, we had quite a good chat yesterday with Daan [scrum coach Daan Human] and the whole pack.

In the first half we got frustrated because Ireland obviously looked to play a lot of tricks at scrum time, where we just want a fair competition, we want a fair contest at the scrum.

Somewhere where we definitely have to learn, to train this week and learn our lessons from the previous game. The Bomb Squad did an amazing job, and the penalty try was very satisfying for everyone.

Ireland's scrummaging methods have been a topic of conversation in rugby circles in recent times, although they have largely managed to stay on the right side of referees in this area of the game.

It will be interesting to see if that is the case for Saturday's second test, with South Africa clearly feeling as though there were some questionable calls made in last week's game.

SEE ALSO: Rassie Erasmus Escalates War Of Words With Matt Williams

Rassie Erasmus Matt Williams South Africa Ireland
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