VIDEO: Race to No.1 - Why this requires a decider

Ireland, at No.2, has closed the gap on top-ranked South Africa to less than a point, 0.99, on the world rankings.

However, this has intensified, rather than muted, the debate around who is the best team in the world.

The just-completed series ended in a one-all stalemate – with South Africa winning the opener at Loftus Versfeld 27-20 and Ireland bouncing back at Kings Park with a 25-24 triumph.

The aggregate score is 51-45 to the Springboks.

The Boks Office team – host Hanyani Shimange, along with Springbok legends Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers – were adamant the series required a decider.

(Continue below …)

“It is still unfinished business,” Shimange said in the most recent edition of the show – which dropped on RugbyPass TV on Wednesday..

“Can Ireland enter the debate to be the best team in the world?” De Villiers asked, adding: “Yes they can!

“However, South Africa is ranked No.1 in the world and they are world champions.

“France and New Zealand can also be part of that debate.

“The way England is going, in a couple of months they will get into that debate as well.”

De Villiers said the key is whether the ‘debate’ is opinion-based or factually based.

“Factually we are ranked No.1 in the world and we are World [Cup] champions,” he added.

Overall South Africa has won 19 of the 30 encounters between the countries, with Ireland having won nine and just one draw.

Burger said the game is in a good space, given the fervent debate.

“Instead of having one team run out [alone] in the front, you have four teams that can – on any given day – get over the line,” Burger added.

“Maybe this year is our karma year, where we start losing Tests by one point.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com

* Watch the Boks Office debate above or watch the entire podcast on RugbyPass TV!