Beating Ireland in Dublin will take a monumental effort according to Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe, as the two nations prepare to meet in Dublin for their much-anticipated Test match on Saturday.
The Springboks have not beaten Ireland in Dublin since 2012, and are expected to announce a full-strength side for the clash on Thursday.
They will also be boosted by the availability of Franco Mostert, whose red card was rescinded on Wednesday. Mostert was controversially sent off during the 12th minute of the Springboks’ clash against Ireland last week.
The last time the sides met in July 2024 in Durban, the Irish emerged one-point victors. In fact, Ireland have beaten South Africa four times in their last five clashes, including a group game in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The last time the Springboks actually beat Ireland outside South Africa was 13 years ago in Dublin. Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe acknowledged the challenge ahead for his side.
Kolbe: SA vs Ireland Matches Always 50/50
“Whether we’ve played against them in South Africa, here, or on neutral ground, it’s always been 50/50 games, so we must implement what we want to do and what the coaches have set out for us this weekend, and also be able to adapt to the scenarios that play out on the field,” said Kolbe.
“Matches between SA and Ireland are always massive, so it’s going to be as physical as it can get. They are a well-coached team, with a good structure to their game, so if you’re not up for it on the day, they can definitely hurt you.”
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
