Jean de Villiers predicts mind games to kick-off ahead of Springboks-Ireland clash
FILE. The Springboks will be solely focussed on ending their 12-year losing streak against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, according to former SA skipper Jean de Villiers. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Following their rousing 32-14 victory over Italy after again being reduced to 14-men during their clash, the Springboks are gearing up for a titanic battle against Ireland in Dublin.
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers highlighted the importance of overcoming the Irish, who have been a tough opponent throughout the years.
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, as De Villiers points out, the Springboks have a poor record against the Irish, having last triumphed in Dublin back in November 2012.
Ireland: A Significant Test For De Villiers’ Squad
“Ireland, that's the other one where we need to tick that box and get a result,” De Villiers told SportsBoom.co.za.
“We haven't won in Ireland since 2012, I think it is. It's a hell of a long time, and even though we've beaten them, Ireland has very much been our bogey team, I would say, since 2004."
“So that's going to be a big test for us to get a victory in Dublin and just show what we are capable of, because the Irish will, as we know, be well prepared, they analyse well, and they'll be up for that one.”
Ireland-South Africa Rivalry Fires Up Again
Though Ireland have slipped to third in the rankings, there is enough history between the two nations to suggest that the late-November assignment will have the makings of another epic matchup.
While the Springboks did go on to hoist the William Webb Ellis Trophy in 2023, they did lose to Ireland during the group stages. Whenever there’s the slightest chance, the Springboks are reminded of that defeat as their campaign holds something of an asterisk in Ireland.
“There will be mind games doing the build-up to that game during the week. They've got an experienced coaching staff as well as we do in Rassie [Erasmus] and his team, so there will be some talk before and there will be some taunts thrown out there to see who takes the bait or not.”