Scotland has faced a number of social media taunts from fans after their loss to the Springboks in Marseille.
The inclusion of four players born in South Africa in Gregor Townsend’s squad became a subject of unkind ridicule on various social platforms.
In a victorious start to their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign, defending champions South Africa triumphed over Scotland with an 18-3 victory at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.
The first half saw a closely contested battle, with the Springboks leading 6-3 at halftime thanks to two penalties by Mannie Libbok and one by Scotland’s fly-half, Finn Russell.
However, as the second half unfolded, South Africa’s dominance in terms of pace and power became evident. Pieter-Steph du Toit powered his way over the try line from close range, followed by Kurt-Lee Arendse, who capitalized on Libbok’s precise cross-field kick to score in the corner.
After this impressive performance, South Africa currently sits in second place in Pool B, trailing behind Ireland, who secured a victory over Romania on Saturday.
Social media taunts:
One fan wrote: “Starting: Duhan van der Merwe & Pierre Schoeman On the Bench: WP Nel Not Featured today: Kyle Steyn.”
The question of players switching nations has set off a fiery debate among fans ahead of the Scotland-South Africa clash. Andre Esterhuizen’s comments sparked a flood of opinions online, with fans weighing in on Scotland’s South African contingent.
A second fan sarcastically wrote: “South Africa vs South Africa.”
Another didn’t hold back, saying: “I think Scotland would be a second-tier nation if they weren’t affluent and able to entice foreign top players… imo!”
Adding to the mix, a fourth fan commented, “Must complement Scotland Rugby—they are the best welfare state adopting foreign players.”
And perhaps the simplest jab came from another fan, who dubbed the Scots “Springbok B.”
As the clash approaches, it’s clear that fans are as fired up as the players for a showdown that may bring out both rugby skill and national pride in full force.
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2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP’S FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS:
(Research has been conducted via All Rugby and It’s Rugby databases, as well as the official squad announcements).
POOL A
NEW ZEALAND (9)
Ethan de Groot – Australia (Prop)
Neto Laulala – Samoa (Prop)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi – Tonga (Prop)
Tyrel Lomax – Australia (Prop)
Samisoni Taukei’aho – Tonga (Hooker)
Shannon Frizell – Tonga (Back Row)
Finlay Christie – Scotland (Scrum Half)
Leicester Fainga’anuku – Tonga (Winger)
Emoni Narawa – Fiji (Winger)
FRANCE (2)
Paul Willemse – South Africa (Lock)
Uini Atonio – New Zealand (Prop)
ITALY (12)
Ivan Nemer – Argentina (Prop)
Hame Faiva – New Zealand (Hooker)
David Sisi – England (Lock)
Dino Lamb – England (Lock)
Sebastian Negri – Zimbabwe (Back Row)
Toa Halafihi – New Zealand (Back Row)
Martin Page-Relo – France (Scrum Half)
Stephen Varney – Wales (Scrum Half)
Juan Ignacio Brex – Argentina (Centre)
Paolo Odogwu – England (Winger)
Monty Ioane – New Zealand (Winger)
Ange Capuozzo – France (Fullback)
URUGUAY (0)
NAMIBIA (1)
Tiaan De Klerk – South Africa (Lock)