Bok legend's tweet adds fuel to Springboks-All Blacks rivalry
SPOTLIGHT: Springboks legend Kobus Wiese’s latest social media post has ruffled a few feathers in South Africa.
Wiese has applauded the style of play showcased by the All Blacks as they swept aside the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Test in Auckland.
In his effort to praise the All Blacks’ display, the comment has been interpreted as a subtle dig at the pragmatic style of Jacques Nienaber’s South Africa.
The All Blacks have claimed the Bledisloe Cup in stunning fashion, punishing the wayward Wallabies 57-22 in a record Eden Park drubbing. A ripping first-half contest turned ugly for Australia after the break in the Auckland rain, New Zealand running in four tries in a lethal 18-minute spell.
The All Blacks now have an unassailable 2-0 lead before the series concludes in Perth in a fortnight, and lengthens the Bledisloe Cup’s stay in New Zealand to 19 years.
The brand of rugby on display was a world away from the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, and it wasn’t lost on fans.
Nor was it lost on former Springbok legend and pundit Wiese, who tweeted: “All Blacks displaying how rugby should be played!”
All Blacks displaying how rugby should be played!
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) August 14, 2021
As jy sulke rugby “touchies” noem, is ek n “fan” van dit, baie mooier, baie meer rugby, as n geskoppery!
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) August 14, 2021
Rather the All Blacks displaying how traditionally the All Blacks have played their rugby. The bok’s traditional style, which got your ‘95 RWC medal, is great and makes the Bok’s vs AB’s an exciting prospect. Each to their own and may the best team win. 👍
— Sebastian d’Elboux (@SebDelboux) August 15, 2021
No! The All Blacks are showing how they play rugby. What’s with this rubbish about “how rugby should be played”? As far as I know, every nation has the right to play their chosen style and strategy in the pursuit of beating the opposition. NZ have their way, we have ours 👍🏻
— CookieZA (@Keegz_c) August 14, 2021
Considering the criticism aimed at the Springboks – and to a lesser extent the British & Irish Lions – in recent weeks, it’s hard not to interpret Wiese’s Tweet as a subtle dig at the South African rugby establishment.
Well known rugby journalist Peter Jackson wrote: “More creative rugby in a matter of minutes from All Blacks and Wallabies this morning than the Lions produced in an entire series.”
More creative rugby in a matter of minutes from @AllBlacks and @wallabies this morning than the Lions produced in an entire series.
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) August 14, 2021
Last week, Argentina coach Mario Ledesma defended the criticisms aimed at the Boks. “South Africa is South Africa, they have an identity that is really strong. A team that is world champions and just won the series against the British & Irish Lions,” he said.
“They are doing their thing very well. It is very subjective to talk about what is boring or not .”
RugbyPass & AAP
