South African rugby journalist Brenden Nel was not happy with his country’s performance in their 38-3 hammering at the hands of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks were beaten in every area of the pitch at Lansdowne Road in what was a shocking day for the tourists.
However, something that caught the eye of the South African press was the amount of non-Irish born players lining out for Joe Schmidt’s side.
To be fair to Nel, he did not offer this as an excuse, the writer fully conceded that Ireland were the better team.
No fire, no passion. Muted body language. Boks have lost every battle tonight. Well beaten beyond the scoreboard.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 11, 2017
However, there was a dig at Schmidt’s men, who he called the ‘Irish Barbarians’:
This Irish Barbarians (with all their overseas project players) deserve their win. Well played.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 11, 2017
The notion of the IRFU bringing in players to the provinces solely to get them in the green of the national team is something Nel takes issue with:
mate, i have knowledge of CJ's deal, and it was through Ireland, via munster. it was purely to play for Ireland. not the same as euro clubs recruiting.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 11, 2017
This led to many angry responses from Irish fans, who accused Nel of sour grapes in the wake of the heavy defeat:
Ah Brendan. That’s a disappointing comment from you. 2 players weren’t the difference tonight.
— Niamh ☕️ (@NiamhoNiamh) November 11, 2017
Sour loser, SA is a disgrace, ireland 🇮🇪 player and coach development the reason why they keep improving
— Dan van Zyl (@vanzyl_dan) November 12, 2017
Pretty pathetic tweet..
— Kevin Jooste #19 (@derKaiser3) November 11, 2017
What a ridiculous tweet. Don’t blame the players blame the rules and the fact that they are coached better.
— #RugbyUlster_ (@RugbyUlster_) November 11, 2017
Thought you were better than that.
— Ian Frizzell (@rava_ian) November 11, 2017
Some were quick to point out that South Africa also benefit from the controversial ‘residency rule’:
You should probably try get some more Namibians; then you might have a better chance next time.
— Alex Walsh (@alwalsh17) November 11, 2017
Discuss with reference to Beast Mtawarira.
— Tim O'Connor (@timoconnorbl) November 11, 2017
However, Nel wasn’t the only one to point out the overseas-born players playing with Ireland – and the positive impact they have had on the side.
SA born player scores the try and NZ born player kicks the conversion … Ireland rugby on the rise!
— Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) November 11, 2017
For what its worth, Nel has added that his comments were merely against the rule and not a particular dig at the Irish team:
And again at the chance of being taken out of context. Project players is a bad concept. When the haves can target with money and build a team that way it says a lot. 7 project players under Schmidt.
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 12, 2017
Never suggested that was the reason for Irelands win and never will. As with France targeting Fijians. I dont like the concept of project players
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) November 12, 2017
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Read More About: bundee aki, IRFU, irish rugby, Simon Zebo, south afirica
