The Springboks have just two more games left in 2025, which includes this weekend’s blockbuster battle against Ireland in Dublin that will precede one final encounter against Wales.
It’s this Saturday’s Test that will undoubtedly be one of the greatest challenges of the year, though, as the Springboks look to change their fortunes in Dublin, where they last won a Test in 2012.
The teams last met in South Africa in the Incoming Series in July 2024, with each side winning one game, and Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth said facing Ireland at home was a completely different challenge against a “great team”.
“They’ve been in the top three of the world rankings for the last couple of years, so they are a quality outfit and we are looking forward to this game,” said Etzebeth.
“When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture was definitely one that stood out, so we’re excited. It’s going to be a good match. We haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.”
Plenty of history between the Springboks and Ireland
Etzebeth brushed off suggestions that their 19-16 defeat against Ireland in Dublin in 2022 would motivate them to avenge that result.
“This is a completely different challenge. That was over a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in one week, and many things have changed since then,” Etzebeth added.
It also can’t be forgotten that Ireland were the one team to beat the Springboks during the 2023 World Cup.
This Saturday’s ‘rematch’ kicks off at 19:40 (SA time).
South Africa’s Test record at the Aviva Stadium
| Date | Result |
| 30 Nov 1912 | Won 38-0 |
| 19 Dec 1931 | Won 8-3 |
| 8 Dec 1951 | Won 17-5 |
| 17 Dec 1960 | Won 8-3 |
| 10 Apr 1965 | Lost 9-6 |
| 10 Jan 1970 | Drew 8-8 |
| 28 Nov 1998 | Won 27-13 |
| 19 Nov 2000 | Won 28-18 |
| 13 Nov 2004 | Lost 17-12 |
| 11 Nov 2006 | Lost 32-15 |
| 6 Nov 2010 | Won 23-21 |
| 10 Nov 2012 | Won 16-12 |
| 8 Nov 2014 | Lost 29-15 |
| 11 Nov 2017 | Lost 38-3 |
| 5 Nov 2022 | Lost 19-16 |
