Springbok coach Jerry Flannery on what Irish fans called him at the Aviva
- Springbok coach Jerry Flannery on what Irish fans called him at the Aviva - December 8, 2025
- “It’s a total, total mess” – Nigel Owens reacts to the Eben Etzebeth ban - December 5, 2025
- Andy Farrell set add to Irish coaching ticket ahead of the Rugby World Cup - December 5, 2025
Rivals.
Ireland and South Africa have built up quite the rivalry over the last few years, with the Springboks coming out on top in their most recent meeting.
That game took place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last month and marked the first time head coach Rassie Erasmus defeated the Irish on their home turf.
The fact that Rassie has two former Ireland internationals in Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery as part of his backroom team certainly adds to the spice, but what’s it like to be an Irishman coaching the world champions against your home nation?
Jerry Flannery recently sat down with Darren Frehill in RTE and revealed that the Irish fans had some choice words for him last month.
“It is a professional sport, and everybody is so competitive,” Flannery said.
“I have been called a traitor a couple of times at the Aviva!”
In terms of the game itself, Flannery said both teams will be a little disappointed with how it played out.
“It was a really weird game, very, very strange,” Flannery said.
“I thought Matt Carley (referee) was quite strong in the way he officiated the game. There could have been a couple of more cards; we could have picked up one and Ireland could have picked up another one.
“I don’t think either team will be entirely happy with how they executed their game plan but Ireland can be proud of the resilience they showed when they were down significant numbers. They didn’t capitulate and we were disappointed that we could not capitalise on that.”
And as for Ireland’s recent mixed bag of form, the former Munster hooker doesn’t think there’s anything to be worried about.
“We have been a little bit spoiled in Ireland for a while. People are now starting to panic a little bit,” Flannery said
“Ireland have a fantastic coaching group and are a really tight group; lots of good, young players coming through. Who can put their hand up and put themselves into the forefront for selection?
“I wouldn’t panic. Massive quality there.”
