Ireland and South Africa's first test match is right around the corner, and it's fair to say that the tension between both sets of players and fans has been simmering nicely.
The Irish team will play the Boks in Pretoria on Saturday at 4pm Irish time, and previous comments made by both sets of players and coaching staff have only added to the upcoming contest.
For example, South African lock Eben Etzebeth claimed the Irish were "arrogant" after Ireland beat them in the Rugby World Cup last autumn, while Simon Zebo Jokinlgy said on a podcast that Rassie Erasmus, the former Munster head coach, "hates the Irish."
There is no love lost between the two sides, and this weekend promises to be no different. Unsurprisingly, another topic of discussion has created a talking point online among South African rugby fans, a topic that has not gone down well with many.
Ireland's Murray Kinsella, a well-known rugby journalist who works for 42.ie, shared a graphic on his X account stating that "Ireland will be in their green jerseys for Saturday's test against the Springboks in Pretoria."
Many South African fans are not happy that the Boks, who traditionally wear green, are now being forced to don their white kits instead, while Ireland, who are known for wearing green, will wear green as well.
Why are people acting like this is something new? Okes are just looking for things to get mad at😂😂
We're the home team
It's always been the tradition that when there's a kit clash, the home team changes their strip to suit the opposition. The Springboks are just following that https://t.co/gf8it7ecoh— Lloyd (@Lloydbhudda) July 3, 2024
Posting on social media, one X user said, "Actually blasphemous. I can’t remember the last time I watched a Springbok home game where they wore anything but green." Another added, "So, the home team must wear an away jersey at home? The Irish are not beating the allegations. What a loathsome bunch!"
However, others have pointed out that it is protocol and that Ireland and South Africa are only doing what they have been told to do.
"Why are people acting like this is something new? Okes are just looking for things to get mad at. We're the home team. It's always been the tradition that when there's a kit clash, the home team changes their strip to suit the opposition. The Springboks are just following that," said one X account, while another added, "Reaction to this suggests a surprising number of people are unaware that in rugby it's traditionally the home team that wears their change kit."
If you are looking for a TV station to watch the game on Saturday, then check out Sky Sports. The English sports channel has won the rights to air Ireland's Summer Test Series and will air the game live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 3:30 PM.
Ireland's team will also be announced in due course.
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