Springboks’ Thomas du Toit downplays revenge motive ahead of Ireland clash in Dublin

Springboks prop Thomas du Toit has shot down any suggestions that their Test match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday will be about revenge.

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.

Despite Ireland clearly being something of a bogey team for SA, Du Toit remained defiant.

Du Toit: South Africa Focuses on Preparation Over Grudge Match Narrative

“The media would like to paint it that way (that it’s a grudge match), but we don’t see it as such. In the last couple of matches and months, we’ve put every game into individual boxes, rather than thinking about the past too much, regardless of the result,” said Du Toit.

“So, for myself and the team, we certainly don’t feel that way. We are, however, putting a massive emphasis on this week, as we have for all the other games.”

South Africa have won all their matches so far on their November Tour, including victories over France and Italy over the last two weeks while they were reduced to 14 men on both occasions.

“There are a couple of things that could be similar to what we faced against France and Italy, as they are both incredibly physical sides. But the one thing that could differ is Ireland’s structured game.

“From my time playing over here in the UK, they really understand their game very well, as well as their general play, and set-piece plays, and they know who they want to target, so that’s probably going to be different.

“But we’ll do our homework as best we can to be as prepared as possible on the day.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport