Former Ireland star says the right team won the Rugby World Cup

Former Ireland scrumhalf Peter Stringer believes there can be no complaints over South Africa once again winning the Rugby World Cup.

Although they were beaten by Ireland in the pool stages, the Springboks won their second consecutive tournament and their fourth in total – a feat unmatched by any other side.

“I don’t think you can have any argument in terms of the team that won the competition,” said Stringer. “It was just another masterclass from South Africa. As a unit, they looked very comfortable in defence. They didn’t allow New Zealand any penetration through their line at all.

CJ Stander speaks about the value Jacques Nienaber will add to Leinster

CJ Stander speaks about the value Jacques Nienaber will add to Leinster

“Even during the moments when they were down on numbers, you had guys like Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe or Pieter-Steph du Toit coming out of the line and making really good decisions to stop the attack and not allow Richie Mo’unga or Beauden Barrett any time on the ball.

“South Africa’s defensive mindset, the level of aggression and relentless pressure of their line speed, is really something to admire, and you always felt they could go up a gear if needs be.

“They were one of the favourites from the start and credit to their players and coaches and the decisions that they made around selection. With the strengths on their bench, being able to come through and manage those tough games – winning all their last three by a single point – is a mark of the quality side that they are.

“New Zealand came back into it and had a little bit more territory and possession, but you just never felt like they were dominating the game. They were relying on something special from a creative player like Mark Telea to beat three or four defenders.”

Stringer – who won 98 caps for Ireland across a storied career – believes that the referees also got it right at the tournament.

“The yellow and red cards obviously had a big influence on the game, but both were the right decision.

“There was no late change of movement from Jesse Kriel, so the picture didn’t change for Sam Cane. You need to be seen to get your body height down and dip and Cane was always upright. With Siya Kolisi, his back is nearly parallel to the ground, so he’s made the effort to get into the correct tackling position.

“There was a big directive from World Rugby coming into the tournament around head contact and people were wondering which way it was going to go, but there’s not been many talking points around cards, which has been great.

“What’s pleasing from my point of view is that the referee and TMO are in constant communication. He’s always in the referee’s ear, so there’s no cause for to stop the play, deliberate over decisions and frustrate viewers.”

Stringer, who competed in three Rugby World Cups – also though the tournament was a good advertisement for the sport of rugby union.

“I think it’s been a great tournament in terms of attracting new fans to the sport. I don’t think I’ve ever watched a World Cup where the four quarter-finals were as intense and closely contested.

“It would have been nice to see France as hosts go a bit further while, from a supporter’s perspective, I obviously wanted Ireland to be there at the end, but it’s a mark of the quality that it came down to such fine margins between the top sides.

“It was also great to see some of the second-tier nations progress. Fiji knocking out Australia was a highlight, and Portugal for me are a team that stand out for putting in some really good performances.

“Allowing these other nations to play together more often has been hugely beneficial, and the more game time they get against bigger and better opposition will make world rugby a more attractive game,” concluded Stringer.

The Munster legend was speaking to Betway.