'South Africa's second team would beat the All Blacks' Danny Care

Former England scrumhalf caught the ire of his former Harlequins teammate Nick Evans in an interesting round of the opinion game ‘Debatable’.

The discussion covered a range of topics, from which country produces the best rugby players, South Africa and New Zealand, to why there is a perception that England underperforms in the test arena.

One topic, in particular, had the pair at odds as Care suggested that South Africa could select three different teams to beat the All Blacks at the current moment.

Asked about who produces better players, Care was emphatic in his statement that the back-to-back World Cup winners were now producing better players than their great rivals.

‘New Zealand still produce better rugby players than South Africa’ Nick Evans

“It’s a really interesting debate.” Care said.

“I’ve gone with agree purely on the fact that they are back-to-back World Cup winners, and you look at the strength in depth in South Africa right now, and you think they could put three different 15s against any other team in the world, and I think they might win or be very, very close.”

Responding with a level of shock, Evans said, “Three different teams would beat the All Blacks?!” To which Care responded, “Their second team would.”

Expanding his point, the former Quins scrumhalf said, “I think currently South Africa’s second team, second XV, would be the New Zealand current first XV.”

Firing back, the 2007 All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad member said, “Their next best XV is better than the All Blacks’ first XV? No chance!” To which Care said, “Currently, right now, yes.”

Adding weight to his argument, Care referenced former Quins centre Andre Esterhuizen as an example of the depth available to the Springboks at the current moment.

“Andre Esterhuizen, one of the best players that’s ever worn a Harlequins shirt, currently can’t get a game with South Africa, so he’s probably the third team.” 

“He’s not on the third team; he’d be on the second team, ” Evans replied.

“Sorry, he’d be on the second team, but he can’t get on the bench for the minute for the Springboks, but he would be on the second team.

“I think they beat New Zealand’s first team.” Care concluded.

Have things gone so far now that Care is correct? Are the Springboks capable of beating their fiercest rivals with a second team? Let us know in the comments section.