Author: Gregor Paul

Ireland’s claim was based on their near permanent occupation of the number one ranking spot since 2022; time in which they won a series in New Zealand and picked up a Six Nations Grand Slam.The Irish had also beaten South Africa in their last three encounters before playing them in Pretoria this July. The Springboks’ argument was that they are the current world champions, having successfully defended their 2019 title.The two-test series was split one win each and so it was no clearer who had the stronger claim. But what has become apparent and was accentuated throughout July, is that…