After three rounds of Guinness Six Nations action, many figures in the game have hailed runaway leaders Ireland as the best team in the world, but former South Africa centre Robbie Fleck has a simple response to that.
In response to those assertions, the 31-cap Springbok stated on RPTV’s Boks Office podcast that “they are not playing against quality opposition.”
Fleck is not the only former player from South Africa to respond angrily to such allegations; the team has, naturally, defended the Springboks, who are now the reigning world champions and are ranked first in the world rugby rankings.
The former Bath center feels that Andy Farrell’s team cannot be considered the unofficial world number one since he has not been pleased by the caliber of Ireland’s opposition thus far in this Championship.
Fleck and many of his fellow countrymen are unlikely to be persuaded that Ireland is the best team in rugby, even if they go on to win a probable Grand Slam. When they play a two-Test series against the Springboks in July, that will be the real Test.
Fixture
In response to Hanyani Shimange’s question on his thoughts on this year’s Six Nations, Fleck said, “Not much.”
“Very disheartening England,” he continued. “You need strength from the traditional guys.” France has also not lived up to expectations. Thus, there actually is just one team involved.
Scotland always produces flashes of greatness because to Gregor Townsend and the players he chooses.Though Finn Russell, Hugh Jones, and Duhan van der Merwe have all performed admirably, Ireland has faced a great deal of frustration and disappointment as there isn’t much meaningful competition.
“Everyone says the Irish are the best team in the world right now, but they can’t be since they aren’t playing against good teams.
“Well, we’ll find out when we play Ireland in the July Tests, but as of right now, the general quality of the Six Nations has been lacking.
“The Irish team has one really good, genuine side, and they deserve that; they have excellent players and are well-coached, but England and France have disappointed.”
