Last yr the Springboks went on to assert back-to-back World Cup titles, whereas Ireland had been knocked out of the worldwide event on the quarter-final stage regardless of coming into the worldwide showpiece because the No 1-ranked aspect.
Since that collection of outcomes, the Springboks have established a wholesome lead on the prime of the world rugby rankings, though Ireland have begun drawing nearer after making a formidable begin to the Six Nations.
Ireland do look effectively on monitor to finish the Grand Slam once more, and Sam Warburton has steered they are presently a better group than the all-conquering Springboks aspect.
“I watch Ireland and I’m genuinely in awe of how they’re playing. I can cast my mind back to when I was playing for the couple of seasons when Wales were pretty good. We weren’t near that level,” he advised the BBC Rugby Union Daily podcast.
“Their work-rate off the ball, either side in assault and defence. The accuracy is nearly unseen at worldwide stage. How snug they are, everybody simply will get into form so rapidly.
“I assumed it was crushing for them within the World Cup [losing their quarter-final against New Zealand], however they’ve responded so effectively.
“South African fans will hate me for saying this, but I still think they [Ireland] are the best team in the world. I’ve just never seen a team that’s that complete.”
The Springboks face Ireland in back-to-back Tests in July
Warburton’s assertion will quickly be put to the Test when Ireland journey to South Africa for 2 blockbuster Tests.
CONFIRMED SPRINGBOKS FIXTURES FOR 2024:
Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
16/17 November: England v SA (Twickenham, London – date TBC)
Current world rankings
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