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The Jake White verdict on 'power vs skill' Springboks-Ireland clash
By Liam Heagney
Jake White has shared his thoughts on Saturday night’s Rugby World Cup blockbuster in Paris between the Springboks and Ireland.
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The meeting of the Pool B heavyweights at Stade de France – a clash between the defending champions and the world’s current No1-ranked side – has been the most hyped fixture so far at France 2023 and the grapevine has been bursting this week with various South African and Irish pundits giving their predictions on what will unfold.
Former Springboks coach White has become the latest to join the hot topic debate, sending a pre-game message to RugbyPass that perfectly sets the scene just hours before the kick-off of a match that has gripped the imagination of all fervent rugby supporters.
“As a Rugby World Cup winner 16 years ago in France, and a coach currently still involved in the game (at the Bulls), let me share my thoughts: Today is a wonderful Test match. It’s a test of power versus skill.
“It’s going to be intriguing and fascinating to watch. Does skill beat power or is power the dominant factor in a successful winning team?
“Are 15 forwards in a match day 23 the winning recipe? If so, then no one will beat the Springboks at this Rugby World Cup as no team will be able to match the power of the Boks’ selection.
“This power versus skill debate in rugby has been around for ages. No team has been or will offer more skill than Ireland have in the last four years since the last World Cup. The Springboks and their bomb squad became champions by being too physical for any opponent.
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“That is what makes rugby such a wonderful game as these debates will continue long after all of us are gone. Enjoy the contest. Cheers, Jake.”
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Let’s see if I have got this right… Mastermind McLennan has forked out $5m for an unknown product which has caused the loss of a proven test player who probably could have been retained for much less?
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