The Springboks will be looking to beat Ireland in Dublin for the first time in over a decade, according to Eben Etzebeth, when they line up against their hosts once more on Saturday.
While much of the focus had been on the controversial red cards picked up by South Africa, with both Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert receiving their marching orders in respective matches against France and Italy over the last two weeks in a row, the Springboks will have to put those incidents out of their minds.
In recent years, there’s always been a bit of extra needle when it comes to Ireland-South Africa fixtures.
Of course, the Springboks once again hold the number one spot in the World Rugby rankings to go with the last two Rugby World Cup titles in 2023 and 2019. However, the Springboks have a poor record against the Irish, having last triumphed in Dublin back in November 2012.
Etzebeth: “We’re Up for the Challenge Against Ireland”
“They’ve been in the top three of the world rankings for the last couple of years, so they are a quality outfit and we are looking forward to this game,” said Etzebeth.
“When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture was definitely one that stood out, so we’re excited. It’s going to be a good match. We haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.”
A young Etzebeth had just a handful of caps back in 2012, but is the only remaining member of the Springbok side which last beat Ireland all those years ago. In fact, even his side’s much more recent 19-16 loss to Ireland in 2022 is not worth remembering, Etzebeth insisted.
“This is a completely different challenge. That was over a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in one week, and many things have changed since then.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
