As we enter the final stages of this year’s Six Nations, there is no doubt that Ireland are by far the best team in the competition at the moment. Not only are they the only undefeated side in this year’s championship, but they have also consistently played at a level that seems out of reach for the five other teams at the moment.
Of course, this has also led to questions surrounding the best team in world rugby.
After winning the World Cup the previous year, South Africa was declared the best team in the world, but many have questioned that after Ireland’s comeback.
Although some have declared Ireland to be the best team in the world, most South African rugby fans are probably not too happy about this, as several have acknowledged that the title is very much up for grabs.
Joel Stransky, the star of the 1995 World Cup-winning Springboks, stated in an interview with Planet Rugby that there is “some ambiguity” regarding the ranking of South Africa and Ireland as the two finest teams in the world. He did, however, acknowledge that it is challenging to make a judgment given the poor quality of this year’s Six Nations.
They are the real deal, I love watching them.
Their line-up is formidable, they play fast, they use the width of the field and every player is a skilful ball handler, each capable of cleaning out and rucking, carrying and running into space, offloading out the tackle and making great decisions.
It’s quite unique. I don’t think any other team in the world plays quite like it and, rightly, they’re one of the top two teams in the game…
Down here we look at it at the moment and see England evolving, still trying to work out where they are going.
Scotland are playing above their weight in many ways, but France without Dupont are not the French team they were in the build up to the World Cup.
So we see Ireland and we’re not sure whether they’ve stepped up or everyone else has just come back a yard…
There’s definitely some ambiguity around who the best team in the world is.
Ireland will travel to take on South Africa in a two-test series this summer, a pair of games that will go a long way towards deciding the bragging rights between the sides for the foreseeable future.
For now, Andy Farrell’s side will be solely focused on winning a second consecutive Grand Slam in the Six Nations.
