VIDEO: Ireland rivalry reignited as Bok lock calls for response
SPOTLIGHT: Ruan Nortje spoke about the Springboks’ Round Six Nations Championship clash against Ireland after his side lost to France in Paris last Friday.
The Boks head into their clash against Ireland as favourites, having beaten them last year, despite falling short against Les Bleus in Paris after a strong start to their European tour when they defeated Italy 66-7 in Turin.
They will return to the Aviva Stadium in what could be a match that decides their fate in the Nations Championship, depending on what happens between England and New Zealand in the earlier clash.
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Nortjie admitted the Boks have to be better to topple Andy Farrell’s men.
“We have a massive challenge awaiting us when we face Ireland,” Nortjie told the press on Friday evening.
“It’s a rivalry that’s been building over the past couple of years, and it’s always a massive game playing at the Aviva Stadium.
“We have our work cut out for us. We have to put a massive focus on ourselves this week and make sure we fix several areas of our game and go out to represent our country.
Continues below…
#REACTION: “We weren’t just outplayed; we were outsmarted as well.”
https://t.co/45ZntZFUdG— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) November 15, 2026
He added: “Hopefully we can rectify this loss next weekend and make our supporters proud.”
Touching on the clash against France, Nortje credited Les Bleus for their fighting spirit.
“They always have a lot of flair in their game, so it was nothing that was unexpected.
“All credit to France for sticking it out until the end and grinding out the win.”
Watch the full interview below…
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