New-look Springboks get mixed reviews after first test win

Sport24’s Simnikiwe Xabanisa described the Springbok performance as “a mixed bag” but noted it was the beginning of a new World Cup cycle, with the Springboks having four years to work on a new playing style.

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa with his wife Anlia and daughter Elizebedi after the first test between South Africa and Ireland at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

South Africa’s rugby media gave mixed reviews to the more expansive game played by the Springboks in their 27-20 win in the first Test against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Afrikaans-language Rapport newspaper hailed South Africa’s first win over Ireland since 2016 in a titanic battle between the top two teams in the world.