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Irish TV pundit Matt Williams issues 'karma' tweet for Springboks
By Kim Ekin
Outspoken Australian rugby coach and Irish TV rugby pundit Matt Williams was a vocal critic of the Springboks’ 7-1 bench selection ahead of their clash with Ireland.
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Williams first criticised the move after the Springboks win over the All Blacks, saying that they were “abusing” the purpose of the bench which was brought in for safety reasons.
Ahead of the Pool B crunch match between Ireland and South Africa, Williams doubled down on his position claiming it was not “morally correct” with claims that the lower levels of the game would replicate the tactic with adverse consequences.
Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus responded to Williams during the week, “I am also over 50 but I don’t understand what your point is and how you got to your “conclusion”, and invited the pundit to listen to a podcast.
After Ireland’s 13-8 victory over South Africa, Williams took to Twitter with a short message for South Africa implying that “rugby karma” played a part in their misfortune.
7-1 and a crooked throw in…..Rugby Karma.
— Matt Williams (@MattRCNM) September 23, 2023
His tweet “7-1 and a crooked throw in…. Rugby Karma” referred to a late throw by flanker-turned-hooker Deon Fourie which was called not straight with the Springboks pressing from five metres out.
It was a crucial throw with Ireland hanging on near their own goal line.
The 7-1 bench immediately provided impact by winning a scrum penalty on the first attempt which led to a try to Cheslin Kolbe, but the scrum dominance witnessed against 14-man New Zealand did not eventuate.
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The reserves gave away two costly scrum penalties which led directly to six points to Ireland.
The Springboks pack had a chance to win the game on the final play with another driving maul but Ireland held strong and the maul collapsed.
Referee Ben O’Keeffe adjudged the ball not to be available immediately and correctly called a scrum to Ireland which ended the game.
Nice one Matt you tool we now have 4 world cups bet your feeling bitter miserable and hateful.. come to SA for a holiday we have a cure for your bitterness
Just wanted to let Matt Williams know…Karma is never late. Where is Aussies or Irish
No relevance mate
matt Williams needs to get a life. This Aussie whinger is well known knob of the first order and has whinged his way around the world.
Ireland were great but I don't think boks showed there hand were as Ireland did.
Very astute write up Kim. Great impact from the reserve SA props in each of their first scrums. Then fatigue immediately set in because they are unfit. Which caused them to be unable to keep the scrum stable and the two scrum penalties. Game over.
Williams is 100% correct. Just another eg of The Waterboy and SARU bending the rules for their purpose. 7/1 was always going to backfire, and it did. Unfortunately it wasn't in the knockout rounds, The Waterboy now has a chance to rectify the bench before it's too late. Hopefully not tho, the wee pug throwing wobblers in to the line out was comedy gold.
This idiot should team up with the equally confused Ben Smith of Rugbypass. They would make the ideal couple on a very remote island.
Matt Williams has a 16% win record as a coach. He should actually leave coaching issues to the experts since he is clearly not qualified to speak on the matter. Anyone who takes his views serious is an absolute moron, its like going to the dentist and being told, he/she only knows 16% of what he/she is doing.
I dont want to be mean but this guy doesnt maybe know Karma because what happend to Aus today is what Karma does when you feel good about other people suffering. Sad day for Aus and hope they get better soon.
The hell with arsehole Matt Williams. A total nobody, despite all the noise he makes. Tnuc.