With the ghosts of Paris and Durban still lingering, the Springboks arrive in Ireland facing familiar foes and a desperate need to settle the score.
There is sure to be plenty of spice when the Springboks face Ireland this weekend. It is the continuation of a traditional rugby rivalry that has grown significantly in intensity in recent times. While the relationship is built on a foundation of respect, there is no doubt that there are serious axes to grind on both personal and team levels as they prepare to meet.
Physicality has certainly defined the recent clashes, with no quarter asked or given between the two sides who have most consistently held the world number one ranking since the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Working backwards, the most recent series in South Africa saw Ireland leaving the republic with a draw following a smash and grab drop-goal assisted win in Durban. That result levelled an intensely physical series, but earlier battles still sting.
The Rugby World Cup pool game where Ireland beat the Boks in Paris looms largest in the memory. It is a match that is still talked about - Ireland rueing not converting that form into a deeper run, and the Boks utilising it as supreme motivation. Eben Etzebeth has previously spoken about some of the post-match comments from the Irish players, which only fuelled things further.
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The subplots are numerous, with the South African teams' addition to the URC making these rivalries more frequent. Incidents like the "Winkgate" saga between Jack Crowley and Jaden Hendrickse are only set to add further fuel to the fires.
It is a grudging, hard-nosed rivalry, that never boils over, but the personal connections add layers of complexity. Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber coached in Ireland previously. Now, with Nienaber part of the Leinster coaching ticket and RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn playing on the Emerald Isle, the intellectual property is shared, but the battle lines are drawn.
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Rassie has also never won in Dublin as a head coach, a record he will be keen to rectify this weekend.
Do you think the Boks have the discipline to handle the atmosphere in Dublin and break the losing streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below.