The Springboks have been unstoppable on the end-of-year tour to date, having picked up important wins over Japan, France and Italy, while also overcoming two red card setbacks in each of the last two games.
Once again, they now need to wait to hear if Franco Mostert will be suspended after his controversial red card against Italy, and the medical staff will also need to reassess some of the player workloads.
It’s expected that several first-choice Springbok stars – who were rested against Italy – will now come back into the team to face Ireland on Saturday (kick off at 19:40 SA time).
SA Rugby has confirmed that the team announcement this week will take place on Thursday, at around 14:45 (SA time).
Springboks set sights on Ireland battle
The team arrived in Dublin from Italy on Sunday afternoon and will begin their on-field preparations for Saturday’s clash on Monday.
Fresh off his Player of the Match performance in the Boks’ 32-14 victory against Italy in Turin on Saturday, Damian Willemse said they expected another epic encounter.
South Africa last defeated Ireland – who beat Australia by 46-19 on Saturday – in Dublin in 2014.
“Obviously, we have an eye on Ireland already, and we’ll focus heavily on that game this week,” said Willemse.
“This group of players haven’t won at the Aviva Stadium yet, and that’s definitely a goal for us. We want to put up a strong performance, but it’s going to be a massive game. We’re really looking forward to playing in Dublin.”
Willemse added: “We’re going to need everything – every squad member and coach to get the result we want in Ireland. They are a world-class team and we know what they can do, especially in Dublin.
“They are a very strong side with a good coaching staff as well, so they’ll be ready and prepared to come up with plans for us. We’ll go back to the drawing board on Monday and make sure we dial in our plans, so that we are ready for the challenge.”
Willemse doing what he does best at fullback
After missing the 2024 international season due to injury, Willemse was delighted to be back in the squad and thanked the coaches for assisting him to slot right back into the swing of things.
“I have to thank the coaches,” said Willemse. “Coach Felix (Jones), Mzwandile Stick, and Tony Brown really helped me with my game, and coach Rassie (Erasmus) as well, giving me a go to get consecutive games. It really got my confidence back up.
“After missing last year, I’m delighted to be back. It’s a real privilege to put on the Springbok jersey and to play for this team.”
