Remembering the brutal 1998 Springboks vs Ireland test match

The 20 June 1998 Springboks vs Ireland test match is etched into the annals of rugby history. Not for the athletic prowess or intensity of the World Champion Springboks, but rather the ill-tempered and controversial tactics of the Irish that brought the game into disrepute.

In an appalling display of officiating, players from both sides were allowed to run roughshod over the rules of the game with almost relentless foul play. Even more amazing about the infamous 1998 Springboks vs Ireland test is the fact that just one yellow card was awarded (to Krynauw Otto). By modern refereeing standards this could very well have descended into a seven-a-side game by the end of play.

1998 SPRINGBOKS VS IRELAND CLASH

Following a drubbing in the first test, the scene was set for a fierce 1998 Springboks vs Ireland clash. Ireland was less formidable in those days and the team wanted to exert physical dominance over the World Champion Springboks. From the outset, it was clear the game would not be played in good spirits. When the Springboks got out in front to a strong 19 – 0 lead, the Irish turned to spoiling tactics to get the World Champions off their game. The caldron-like atmosphere at Loftus quickly turned increasingly volatile as the game wore on.

An altercation with Springbok Captain Gary Teichmann set off a series of punch-ups and off-the-ball incidents. Tensions continued to simmer on the field, fuelled by ever-more robust tackling and fiercely contested set-pieces. Try as he might, French referee Joël Dumé lost control of the game as he found himself constantly intervening in heated exchanges all over field.

ILL-TEMPERED CLASH

Rassie Erasmus ducks for cover as another wild Irish tackle comes his way in the infamous 1998 Springboks vs Ireland test match. Image: File

A scrappy Ireland, under the leadership of Paddy Jones, refused to yield any ground. However, their physicality spilled over into flagrant foul play as confrontations only escalated. By the end it seemed the team in green on this occasion no longer had any regard for the scoreboard. After the final whistle it was South Africa who prevailed 33-0 to secure the series 2-0. South Africa convincingly emerged victorious that night, but the true legacy of the match was the brutal manner in which it was played.

Both teams faced criticism for their conduct in the aftermath, with pundits and fans alike condemning the game as one of the dirtiest ever witnessed at international level. The Springboks and Irish clash again at Loftus Versfeld this weekend – Saturday 6 July 2024. The world’s rugby fraternity hopes for greater respect of the rules and spirit of the game this time around.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Have your say. Image: Duncan P Walker

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