'We got a proper hiding': Boks out to bury some ghosts

SPOTLIGHT: A lot has changed since the last time the Boks faced Ireland in Dublin.

Back in 2017, the Boks were completely outplayed in a 3-38 defeat at Lansdowne Road during a dark period for the South Africans.

And that result has been brought up quite a few times by the media in the build to this weekend’s clash, which signals the start of the Boks’ November tour.

While that result five years ago may be significant for some, Rassie Erasmus said this was a new era for both teams.

“We got a proper hiding here the last time and then we won the Rugby World Cup two years later, and it is now five years later,” said South Africa’s Director of Rugby.

“Ireland are doing a lot right on and off the field, so we know we are in for stiff competition, especially with their passionate crowd on their side.

“The fact that the teams are facing one another in next year’s Rugby World Cup will certainly spice things up, but we know what we are in for.

“We last won here in 2012, but we both have new teams and new game plans.”

The story continues below…

#⃣OPINION: @IrishRugby heads into their clash against the @Springboks as clear favourites and here’s the reason why …#Rugby🏉#RugbyUnion🌍#IREvRSA🇮🇪V🇿🇦
#⃣https://t.co/bBPWJ7LrO2 pic.twitter.com/JU70rrWarg

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2022

On the challenge he expected from the hosts, who are currently the N0.1 team in the world, Erasmus said: “World rankings are temporary, so one has to look beyond that and rather at the teams themselves. Ireland are very particular and they are detail orientated. They also have a good attacking structure.

“They are not a team one can just run over. So, we have to make smart plans against them and our defence has to be on point. Luckily, we have players who can score tries too, so if the weather plays along hopefully, we can score a few as well.”

Meanwhile, Wednesday was the third anniversary of the Boks’ 2019 World Cup win. Erasmus said it was something to be treasured but had little relevance to the future.

“That was three years ago, and we are now looking ahead at the next World Cup,” said Erasmus.

“I’m proud to be part of that history, but we have a new challenge ahead next year.

“Any of the top teams in the world can win the tournament next year.

“We saw last week how Scotland pushed Australia until the end, so it is going to be a tough competition.”