Even if you missed this weekend’s second rugby test match between South Africa and Ireland, you probably heard disgruntled Springboks fans shouting at their televisions.
Trailing 3-19 at half-time, the Springboks were (for probably the first time in living memory) booed off the hallowed Ellis Park turf in Johannesburg Saturday night. And it wasn’t only the Johannesburg faithful who had a few things to say.
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Twitter came alive with the trending topic #SAvIRE (among others), and users couldn’t resist airing their views of the Springboks’ indifferent performance at half time:
Abysmal first half. Loosies shocking again, front row destroyed. Back 3 pathetic. This is what happens when you pick out of form players.
— Jarred Milner (@Milni06) June 18, 2016
In 36 years of watching Springbok rugby, I’ve never heard a home crowd boo the Boks off the field. Until today. And they deserve it.
— David O’Sullivan (@davidosullie) June 18, 2016
I was scared to say it Brenden. But you did. And we agree. https://t.co/OFXF5DgUlE
— Just Sport (@JustSportZA) June 18, 2016
Absolutely pathetic rugby from the Springboks.
— Ryk Neethling (@RykNeethling) June 18, 2016
Boks once again looking clueless. No answer to an Ireland side that reminds me of…South Africa of old. Disciplined, tight, effective.
— Chris Gibbons (@ChrisGibbonsSA) June 18, 2016
But it wasn’t just the team taking flack. Newly-appointed coach Allister Coetzee receiving the brunt of the unhappiness:
So much for Allister Coetzee’s fine system for indiscipline… #SAvIRE
— Simon Borchardt (@SimonBorchardt) June 18, 2016
#ssrugby allister coetzee never had a gameplan in all the years he coached the Stormers. No surprise that bokke seems clueless
— Theunis Stofberg (@stofjas) June 18, 2016
Allister Coetzee doing some light reading during halftime #SSRugby #SAvsIRL pic.twitter.com/gRmDWGif5G
— FrankTHETank (@FBotha8005) June 18, 2016
#SAvIRE HT 19 -3 Don’t call me when you are in the doldrums Allister Coetzee. I warned you. pic.twitter.com/BfEkTO7GmU
— Noel Crowie (@crowieN) June 18, 2016
After the break, it was much of the same, as Ireland dominated the match:
Right now #SARU is getting calls from Russia, Uruguay, Portugal & Japan because they need some easy warm-up games. #RSAvIRE #Springboks
— Mark Palmer (@MarkPalmerComic) June 18, 2016
When Twitter is more entertaining than the #Springboks. #SAvIRE
— Mark Palmer (@MarkPalmerComic) June 18, 2016
I’ve seen Bryan Habana booed off the field before. At Bloemfontein a few years ago. But never an entire team…
— Gareth Duncan (@MRGarethDuncan) June 18, 2016
Jantjies misses the conversion #SAvIRE
SA 15-26 Ireland after 65 minutes. @LionsRugbyUnion making all the difference here— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) June 18, 2016
However, after the 70th minute mark, South Africa clawed its way back and was just four points behind. The team scored another try with just over five minutes to play. South Africa (somehow) won the match 32-26.
After that try, Twitter saw a complete change of tone.
Comeback of the century. Well done Bokke!!! #SAvIRE
— Ujen Moodley (@Ujen_Moodley) June 18, 2016
The greatest comeback since…? Apologies, Gary Proudfoot: “just be patient” – you were right!!!! What was in the ½ time tea? GO BOKKE!
— Chris Gibbons (@ChrisGibbonsSA) June 18, 2016
GREAT comeback by the Lions.
— Just Sport (@JustSportZA) June 18, 2016
My god, watching the people watching the rugby is magnificent! “Boo! This is all your fault, Fikile Mba – oo a try! Yay! Shoooosholoza!”
— Tom Eaton (@TomEatonSA) June 18, 2016
Bokke, you beauties!!!
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) June 18, 2016
Elton Jantjies crushed it #SAvIRE pic.twitter.com/ZIe59GYYEf
— Shaina Boswell (@Shaina_Jade) June 18, 2016
This is what being a Springbok supporter is all about! Never lose faith, even in the darkest of moments #SSRugby #SAvIRE
— Junaid (@junaid_allie) June 18, 2016
As a result of the Springboks’ win, the Incoming Series remains alive, with both South Africa and Ireland recording a win each. Next week, both teams move onto the final test in Port Elizabeth.
We can only imagine, and look forward to, Twitter’s reaction then.
Feature image: David Siu via Flickr
