Bowe: Boks no longer just 'bullies'
South Africa has added an expansive dimension to their game that makes them far more dangerous.
This is the view of Ireland star back Tommy Bowe, who looks set to return to the Ireland starting XV for the opening round of matches of the November Test series.
After missing Ireland's triumphant Six Nations campaign and the mid-year tour to Argentina, Bowe is set for his first Test appearance since last's November defeat to the All Blacks.
A groin injury saw Bowe miss the Six Nations title-winning run, but he is in line to return against South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.
The Monaghan man played against the Springboks two years ago in a game which Ireland led 12-3, before losing 12-16, but he feels the Boks have changed significantly since then.
"I feel great to be back involved," Bowe said.
"I'm glad to be back in camp, back in the environment. It's difficult obviously having missed the Six Nations and missed the mid-year tour last year," he admitted.
"It's hard to watch whenever you are at home. You want to be there. I just enjoy being back here [at camp in Carton House] and will hopefully be involved this weekend – look to try and impose myself on the game."
He said the Boks have changed their tactics significantly since the last time the two countries went head-to-head.
"I think that South Africa played quite a lot more [against the All Blacks and Wallabies in the Rugby Championship]," Bowe said.
"There are obviously renowned as a hard, physical side, they rely on bullying teams.
"This time round they have shown with the likes of Cornal [Hendricks], [Willie] le Roux, JP Pietersen, these guys can run with the ball.
"They're dangerous, as is Francois Hougaard.
"Being a back-three player you are going to have to be on the ball."
South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer has put his own stamp on the Springboks' play almost three years into his four-year reign.
Their willingness to run from anywhere will provide an added threat should Bowe and the Irish back-line lack precision in their kicking and chasing.
"If you kick badly to them, give them time on the ball, that's where they will punish you," Bowe said.
"They have players who can attack, run hard but they're also not afraid to chip the ball in behind you.
"There are threats all over the pitch. I think our defensive line is going to have to be solid.
"Whenever you get to international rugby that's a non-negotiable. Certainly against South Africa it's going to have to be top notch."
