'They’re a good team, aren’t they?': Ireland set sights on Springboks
REACTION: Ireland’s record win over Australia is a “brilliant launchpad” for their upcoming Nations Series fixture against back-to-back world champions South Africa, revealed loose forward Jack Conan.
Andy Farrell’s men warmed up for a mouthwatering autumn finale against the Springboks with a 46-19 victory over the Wallabies on Saturday evening in Dublin.
Mack Hansen claimed a hat-trick against his native country before second-half scores from Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird, and Robbie Henshaw capped Ireland’s most convincing display of this international window.
The 2024 Six Nations champions Ireland began the month with a dispiriting 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago before registering a disjointed 41-10 success over Japan at the Aviva Stadium.
“It was unbelievably enjoyable: to be at home putting in a good performance, Saturday night, the atmosphere was unreal,” said Conan.
“We had some really good moments, some unbelievable bits of play, like that last 20, 30 minutes were brilliant from the lads.
“It was a real stepping stone, the best performance we’ve had in the last few weeks, so the lads are happy and it’s a brilliant launchpad for next week.
“To be out there winning in a green jersey, it doesn’t get any better.”
Upcoming opponents South Africa have won 21 of 25 matches since retaining the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023.
The Springboks claimed a second successive Rugby Championship title at the start of October before recording autumn victories over Japan, France and Italy.
Yet Ireland have won four of the past five meetings between the sides, including a pool-stage victory at the last World Cup and a 1-1 series draw in the summer of 2024.
Conan said: “They’re a good team, aren’t they? You see what they’re doing with the bench and how they apply their forwards.
“They’re changing the game and it’s great to see. It’s innovation, it’s interesting, it’s getting eyeballs on the game and they’re going really well.
“They’re an unbelievably physical side and deserve to be the best in the world, so it’ll be a huge challenge for us.
“But we love a challenge. We love having to be better and grow bigger.”
