South African Media Suggest Ireland Actions In Aviva Clash In 'Bad Taste'

Heading into last night’s fixture at the Aviva Stadium, it was expected that South Africa would provide a very physical test for Ireland. Rassie Erasmus’ side have walked the line between firm and foul play in recent weeks, having a number of players sent off during their north hemisphere tour.

However, it was Ireland that tested the patience of the referee on this occasion. The home side would receive five cards over the course of the game, at one point being reduced to 12 men.

While South Africa did not produce the top of scoreline that their dominance probably warranted, it was still a top class performance from the World Cup winners.

South African Media Suggest Ireland Behaviour In Aviva Clash Was In ‘Bad Taste’

Ireland and South Africa have developed quite the rivalry in recent years, although the Springboks had largely come up short in their head to head clashes.

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That trend was clearly reversed on this occasion, with South African outlet the Sunday Times suggesting that it was an utterly dominant display from the visitors.

Ireland were brave and heroic, but the Boks were brutal and powerful in winning for the first time in Dublin since Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018…

It was the most powerful first half of physical dominance I’ve seen when the two best teams in the world have clashed.

Referee Matt Carley was a big talking point in the aftermath of the game, with some believing that Ireland were harshly officiated over the course of the match.

However, Super Sport said that the referee had little other option but to send numerous Irish players to sin bin.

The Boks dominated a game where Ireland tried to stop them at all costs, and which saw five yellow cards and a red, but which left a bad taste in the mouth. There is certainly no love lost between the two sides and that was more than apparent on the night…

It was a bizarre game in all aspects – not just because of the cards. Referee Matthew Carley did his best to keep control on the match, but it was clear that Ireland were intent on doing everything in their power not to lose and infringe almost at will.

If a neutral hadn’t seen the game and heard of all the cards, they might well think that it was a very over-judicious referee that had taken charge and gone overboard. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if the one-eyed Irish papers see it that way.

South Africa had a poor recent record in Dublin prior to this fixture, with their most recent win at the Aviva Stadium came all the way back in 2012.

SA Sports Press said that the visitors ended that run in a ‘commanding’ fashion, going on to question the discipline of the Irish players.

The victory – their first in Dublin since 2012 – could not have come in a more commanding fashion, with the Springboks’ power too much for the home side, who paid dearly for their reply to the green and gold onslaught with a number of players sent to the sin bin, while they also conceded a 20-minute red card as their lack of respect to the laws almost descended the game into chaos…

The final result was signed and sealed by the preceding 70 minutes with power and precision from a Springbok side that currently have no peers in the game.

Ireland will face South Africa once again in 2026, with the two sides set to face off in November as part of the inaugural Nations Championship.

While there is still quite a bit to go before that fixture, Andy Farrell’s men will clearly have to improve quite a bit if they are to provide a sterner challenge for the Springboks on that occasion.

South African Media Suggest Ireland Actions In Aviva Clash In ‘Bad Taste’

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