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.”
A second commented: “South Africa vs South Africa”
Another said:” I think Scotland would be a second tier nation if they weren’t affluent and able to entice foreign top players…imo!”
A fourth commented: “must complement Scotland Rugby they are the best welfare state adopting foreign players.”
“Springbok B,” wrote another.
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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)