England coach backs Ireland as world number one [VIDEO]
Despite the Springboks holding the number 1 in the World rugby Rankings,
the England coach has backed Ireland as the best in the world.
On Saturday night, England will take on Ireland in a blockbuster Six Nations battle, and it will be a match that the Springboks are likely to watch closely.
Of course, it should be remember that the Springboks will face Ireland in two blockbuster Tests in July, which may also help to settle a raging debate over which team is the best in the world.
According to the official world rugby rankings, the world champion Springboks are the No. 1 team in the world. More than two rankings points separate the sides, but after Ireland’s stunning start to the Six Nations, some debate has begun to suggest it is currently the Irish who are at the summit of the game.
With Ireland now taking on fifth-placed England, they could earn more ranking points if they secure another expected win, with Borthwick insisting that he viewed the Irish as the top team.
“Let’s be clear, Ireland right now, we can all agree, are the best team in the world. They might not have won the World Cup, but the way they’ve been playing through the first period of this championship, they are the best team in the world.”
SO, ARE IRELAND THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD?
Here what former Springboks Jean de Villiers, Robbie Fleck, Schalk Burger and Hanyani Shimange had to say.