Over the last couple of weeks, the Springboks have worn their ‘alternate’ white jersey for the recent Tests against France and Italy.
This was in line with the Six Nations’ adoption of World Rugby’s colour-blind-inclusive guidelines, which aims to make matches easier to follow for the estimated 300 million colour-blind viewers worldwide.
However, with the Springboks and Ireland set to have a colour clash between their green jerseys this weekend, it’s actually the home team that is set to switch to their alternate kit when colours are deemed too similar.
According to SARugbymag.co.za, it means the Springboks will wear their traditional green jerseys in Dublin, while Ireland will switch to white.
Springboks aiming to reverse fortunes against Ireland
The last time the two teams clashed, last July in Durban, Ireland secured a thrilling one-point win to claim their third victory over the Springboks from the last four games.
This Saturday’s Test – the penultimate in the Outgoing Tour – kicks off at 19:40 (SA time) on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
However, Springbok prop Thomas du Toit said they weren’t viewing it as a grudge match.
“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.
“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.”
Commenting on the different challenges Ireland posed to the other opposition the Boks have faced on tour so far, Du Toit said: “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.”
Boks to unveil team on Thursday
Rassie Erasmus is set to unveil his matchday squad for the second-to-last game of the year on Thursday, at 14:45 (SA time).
