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2024 South Africa vs Ireland

Ireland Vs. South Africa Rugby Is "Clash Of Styles" Why To Watch

Ireland Vs. South Africa Rugby Is "Clash Of Styles" Why To Watch

According to FloRugby analyst Philip Bendon, there are several reasons to watch the two test matches between South Africa and Ireland. Here's what to know.

Jul 5, 2024 by R. R. Ellis
Replay: Ireland Vs. South Africa

The two July test matches between South Africa and Ireland will not just be another couple of summer internationals - the games will be a clash of titans with rich histories and disparate styles. 

The matches exhibit a deep-seated rivalry, but the games also are an opportunity to peer into the looking glass of the sport at large.

Rugby union offers a strategic depth that's singular to the sport. Ireland and South Africa will showcase younger players who could make waves for years to come, as youth regularly replaces the old guard.

Here's what to know about the two test matches between Ireland and South Africa:

Springboks Vs. Ireland Offers Intense Rivalry Amid Recent Irish Results

South Africa vs. Ireland is a rivalry, but calling it just a "rivalry" undersells the recent emotional labor that has been poured into this matchup, by players and fans alike. It's deeper than two perennial giants going at each other.

According to FloRugby expert Philip Bendon, "This Ireland vs. South Africa rivalry has turned into probably the fiercest in the world at the moment. They don't like each other. The fans don't like each other."

This is echoed in their recent matchups, where Ireland has won each of its last three games against South Africa, including their most recent match in last year's Rugby World Cup.

Ireland could record five consecutive victories against the Springboks if they win both tests.

South Africa Vs. Ireland Is "Clash Of Styles"

These two test matches also will offer a clear view of the distinct playing styles of the two teams. 

Ireland is known for its highly clinical game, requiring precise execution and coordination.

"Ireland play a highly clinical game, which requires everybody to know their jobs very well and know what their teammates are doing," Bendon said. "They play highly structured, but highly efficient, and a fast, up-tempo game. 

"South Africa will play a structure that's more open-ended but built purely on physicality. They'll try and drag you into an arm wrestle is basically what they'll try and do.”

These disparate styles are not only a great selling point for the richness of the sport, they also set the stage for two unpredictable matches. 

"This Ireland vs. South Africa rivalry has turned into probably the fiercest in the world at the moment. They don't like each other. The fans don't like each other."

Summer Internationals Display Depth And Young Talent

National rugby careers can be fleeting, but there is an element of "next man up" to the sport that offers perpetual promise in youth.

Both sides will be missing key players, but stalwarts like Peter O'Mahony for Ireland, 100 caps, and Siya Kolisi, who has 83 caps for South Africa, still bring an element of star power to the matches.

South Africa lines up a largely veteran team for the series (only four players have under 10 caps: Gerhard Steenekamp, Salmaan Moerat, Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu).

Ireland, however, is bringing in 11 total players with 10 caps or less and three who are entirely uncapped. 

Ireland Rugby Players With 10 Or Less Caps

  • Oli Jager, 1 cap
  • Caolin Blade, 2 caps
  • Cian Prendergast, 3 caps
  • Ciaran Frawley, 4 caps
  • Calvin Nash, 6 caps
  • Jimmy O’Brien, 8 caps
  • Jamie Osborne, 0 caps
  • Sam Prendergast, 0 caps
  • Joe McCarthy, 10 caps
  • Nick Timoney, 3 caps
  • Cormac Izuchukwu, 0 caps

South Africa is the favorite to win the contest, but Bendon also notes a recent history of failure when analysts and fans have been bullish on the Springboks.

"South Africa doesn't do well as favorites, bizarrely," Bendon said. "They always do well when people don't think they're going to win."

On Ireland's side, despite the younger squad, they'll want to keep their run of 21 wins in their last 23 test matches going. 

“(Ireland coach) Andy Farrell never throws away a test match. He will take this very seriously. He'll try and win the series."

How To Watch Ireland Vs. South Africa Rugby

Summer internationals will be streaming in the United States on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

That includes games from Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Match replays, highlights and more will be on both platforms. 

Ireland Rugby Schedule 2024

South Africa Rugby Schedule 2024

World Rugby Rankings 2024

  1. South Africa, 94.54
  2. Ireland, 90.69
  3. New Zealand, 89.80
  4. France, 87.92
  5. England, 85.75
  6. Scotland, 82.82
  7. Argentina, 80.68
  8. Italy, 79.41
  9. Australia, 77.48
  10. Wales, 77.26
  11. Fiji, 76.38
  12. Japan, 74.27
  13. Georgia, 74.02
  14. Samoa, 72.23
  15. Tonga, 71.57
  16. Portugal, 70.28
  17. USA, 67.94
  18. Uruguay, 67.39
  19. Spain, 64.37
  20. Romania, 61.66

Where To Watch Summer Rugby Internationals 2024?

In the USA, FloRugby will broadcast some of the best international rugby fixtures of 2024.

South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and England will play matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

How To Watch International Rugby In USA?

FloRugby broadcasts dozens of international rugby matches throughout the year, including the summer rugby internationals from July to September. 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In the United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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