“Ireland were better on the day,” Nienaber refuse to blame Libbok

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said Ireland were the better team following the team’s disappointing 13-8 defeat to the Irish in their third match of the World Cup.

The top-ranked team denied the Boks scoring opportunities to hold on to a 13-8 win at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

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After the match, Nienaber refused to blame flyhalf Manie Libbok, who missed 11 points during the game that proved costly.

Ireland too strong for the Boks in Paris

“Hats off to Ireland, they were better on the day,” said Nienaber.

“We missed a few points off the tee, but that’s not to say that’s the only thing that cost us. In the first half we missed two chances close to the tryline and in the second half we missed a few too, so we had opportunities, ” he said.

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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also agreed with his coach, saying Ireland were the better team overrall.

“Ireland were more accurate at the breakdown than us and faster, and some of our opportunities were lost there. But we take responsibility for that.”

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The Boks next face Tonga in their final pool match and Kolisi know that the team has a lot of improving to do.

“We are going to work hard on the things that we need to improve. We didn’t lose the game in all departments, so we have to be better in general. The reality is if you don’t take your points at this level, this is what happens,” he said.

Ireland still remain unbeaten, and are favourites to win the World Cup following their performance on Saturday.

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