Former Springbok coach Jake White says last weekend’s chaotic Dublin Test proved one thing beyond doubt – no team on the planet can currently live with South Africa.
He adds it’s especially true at scrum time, and that the chasing nations will need “big ideas” to close the gap before the 2027 World Cup.
In his latest RugbyPass column, White said Ireland’s forward crisis against the Boks was self-inflicted, arguing that Andy Farrell’s bench selections “blew up in their face” once James Ryan’s red card forced a reshuffle in the tight five.
MORE: Ireland lock gets slap on wrist for Marx cleanout
According to White, the home side were “woefully exposed” when Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy were binned, with the Bok pack applying irresistible pressure that dominated the narrative of the Test.
He believes the match highlighted a deeper global issue: the rest of the world is not equipped to handle South Africa’s power, and nothing in World Rugby’s law roadmap suggests that will change before Australia 2027.
He pointed to England’s aggressive scrumming under Steve Borthwick, praising the “front-foot mindset” and singling out Bath scrum coach Stevie Scott for transforming props like Thomas du Toit, Will Stuart and even Welsh tighthead Archie Griffin.
But White says most rugby nations face a tougher challenge: finding 140kg-plus props who can scrummage, play and handle the ball like modern forwards.
“That’s the kind of outside-the-box thinking required to counter a natural Bok strength,” he said.
NIGEL OWENS: Depowering scrum will destroy rugby
White believes the Dublin Test also reignited the debate on 5-3, 6-2 and 7-1 bench splits, and exposed misconceptions around so-called “hybrid players”.
Calling the concept “a gimmick”, White said versatility has always existed, and that modern terminology doesn’t change the reality that coaches pick who they need to survive 80 unpredictable minutes.
White also questioned the increasing frequency of fixtures outside the international window, saying Wales’ depleted squad for their final Test is a red flag for the future of Test rugby.
He warned that weakened teams and overpacked calendars risk cheapening what should be the pinnacle of the sport.
“Test rugby is a test for a reason,” he said. “The day it feels like you’re going through the motions will be a sad day for the game.”
Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
The post Jake: No one can live with the Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.