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'South Africa's second XV beat New Zealand's first XV': 101-cap veteran
By Josh Raisey
World champions South Africa have three teams that could possibly beat any other team in the world currently, former England scrum-half Danny Care has claimed.
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The 101-cap veteran, who retired from international rugby earlier this year, made this assertion on his podcast Hits Different alongside fellow host Mark Atkinson and current Harlequins coach, former All Black Nick Evans.
In the section of the show labelled ‘Debatable’, Care and Evans discussed whether South Africa now produce better rugby players than New Zealand. However, the conversation descended into whether the Springboks’ second XV could beat the All Blacks‘ first XV.
While both Care and Atkinson believe a second-string South Africa side would come out on top, Evans vehemently disagreed, saying they had “no chance”.
Of course, the sides have already met this year, with South Africa coming out on top in back-to-back Tests on their way to winning The Rugby Championship. Scorelines of 31-27 and 18-12 show how close both encounters were, but the Englishman believes the Springboks’ bench, plus seven more players could achieve the same feat.
“You look at the strength in depth in South Africa right now and think they could put three different XVs against any other team in the world and I think they might win or be very, very close,” Care said.
“I think currently South Africa’s second XV would beat the current New Zealand first XV.
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Atkinson added: “I think they beat them. If you’re signing individuals, then Kiwis still seem like better rugby players as individuals, but at the moment it’s hard to argue that South Africa aren’t producing better teams.
The Quins legend cited former team-mate Andre Esterhuizen, who left the Stoop this summer, as an example of the depth that the Springboks currently have following a Rugby Championship where the centre did not see a minute of action.
“Look at the players that can’t even get in the South Africa team,” the scrum-half added. “Andre Esterhuizen, one of the best players that’s ever worn a Harlequins shirt, currently can’t get a game for South Africa. He would be in the second team. I think they beat New Zealand’s first team.
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Even as big Bok Supporter, I think that's a stupid statement.
The Springboks did play a B team against the pumas and lost.
When the springboks started a B team against the No 10 ranked wallabies, they only led 11-9 until the bomb squad came on.
If NZ selected their overseas players, and could have kept the ones that have now been lost to other nations as a result of their outdated policy, they'd have more than enough depth and firepower to match the Boks. The playing field isn't exactly even in this regard.
Having read Wayne Smith's observations after recently being with the All Blacks for a week or so, I think there are far more interesting debates to be had about that team's place in world rugby going forward, than hypothetical first and second teams beating other hypothetical first and second teams.
So, having said that, I shall go and look for them.
I would not bet money on that
Silly, circuitous debate, highlighted by the fact that the All Blacks could also pick a 'Second XV' which on its day could beat the AB 'First XV' - particularly if the same Saffer eligibility rules applied re overseas players (maybe even an AB Third XV could do the job!) SA getting a lot of kudos re depth but ABs are rapidly building depth too.
Define a second XV, because there are multiple definitions. Is it a mixture of experienced and inexperienced players? A team solely comprised of inexperienced players? A development team like your As and XVs? Pretty broad and pointless claim if you leave it ambiguous.
The All Blacks are picked from in country. We don't select from overseas players. If all countries picked from in Country playing group how would everyone stack up. Anyway The Sprinboks are playing awesome rugby and have an amazing Coaching group with team strategies that everyone is chasing, good luck to them for many years to come. Die hard All Black Fanatic.
HE, would be interesting? Might also be interesting for each country to only pick guys born in their country? Argies will be good.
ABs would be better but still behind RSA IRL and possibly FRA
Picking only local players for SA does not work. Allister Coetsee results show 57-0.
No ways a bok 2nd team can beat AB. With a so called average team they pushed the Boks in both away games.
AB will always remain a dominant team. Simply to much talent at their disposal.
Depends how many cards they're asking to be given.
Also sounds like they're suggesting the Springboks’ second XV would beat the Springboks’ first XV.
Fair.
South Africa's A team couldn't beat Ireland's B Team.
Discuss.... (hides under table)
Stop taking drugs - you just embracing yourself.
Yeah nah stick to doing drugs mate.
And an NZXV would beat SAs top side. Providing they got a neutral ref and TMO. Perhaps wait until SA is actually the world no 1 before starting this stuff.
Care might be right, but as a South African I don't like any form of triumphalism. Success is fleeting and never lasts forever. I prefer to be humble.
JD, agree 100 %. For me the benchmark always is the ABs. Beating them for us Saffas is the ultimate as we know how good they are. Trying to compare sides from NH and SH difficult between WC cycles as sides are either ending or starting seasons, and often don’t have all players available due to injury or rest. The best point to measure sides is at WC as then all sides have similar preparation and all available
The Springboks are in a good place atm regarding player depht. Just waiting for all the new systems to click and then Care might just be right.
whatevs...
Be scared - be very scared 👻
Danny Care?! LOL
It'd certainly be a close match. SA strength in depth is ridiculous.
Is that why Arg beat them in the first test? Their depth?
As proven v Arg... But the Top side couldnt beat Ireland and needed TMO help to beat NZ.