— Cape Town On Saturday, if you find it impossible to distinguish between Springbok and Irish players, it won’t be the first time this has occurred.
The Irish Rugby Football Union unveiled their 2022 alternate jersey late last week, which they will wear against the Boks in Dublin (7.30pm SA time kickoff). This is likely to cause a clash with the South Africans’ usual dark green and gold tops.
The front of the Ireland uniform is navy blue with light green horizontal stripes and solid light green trim on each side.
The Ireland alternate jersey for 2022!
Together, worn more boldly. Prepared to face the Springboks the next weekend! #TeamOfUs | #Strengthened
October 30, 2022 — Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby)
When the Boks last visited Ireland in 2017, the Irish team wore a dark grey jersey with dark green stripes on the sleeves.
In their 2014 match against South Africa in Dublin, Ireland wore a mostly white jersey that contrasted nicely with the green Bok strip.
Rugby supporters on both sides are dissatisfied with the 2022 shirt and the prospect for a clash of colors, and have urged the organizers to reconsider the Irish jersey.
However, when asked if he will lobby for a different Irish shirt for Saturday’s encounter, Rassie Erasmus, the director of rugby for the South African national team, was unconcerned.
“After examining the jerseys, I believe they won’t clash. “However, I am not a referee who must make choices on the field when the game is really close,” the former free forward remarked on Wednesday.
Which is more reasonable… pic.twitter.com/E3Tl310C6U
— Sam (@sami sp) November 1, 2022
“I assume the guys did their research and are aware if the colors conflict. I am aware that the home team must wear alternate jerseys and the away team must wear their conventional jerseys.
“As long as the referee and supporters can see, we will be able to play without any interference. Comparing the two, it appeared to me that there is a distinction.
“However, we are aware that we must arrive with our jerseys, and if there is a clash, the men in charge will resolve it.”
Well, the supporters and referee in charge at Aviva Stadium, Nika Amashukeli of Georgia, will have their work cut out for them in recognizing the players, and let’s all pray there is no fog or rain…
@ashfakmohamed