As Ireland prepare for their first summer test vs South Africa on Saturday, tensions are continuing to build between the sides. With players, pundits and the media stoking the fires for what is promised to be a huge encounter between two of world rugby's heavyweights.
While South Africa are the two-time reigning world champions, they have no beaten Ireland since 2016. With Ireland's win over the Boks in the group stages at the World Cup, the game has taken on added spice
Even Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus has been adding to the build up, using his posts on Twitter to rile up the opposition and encourage South Africans to get behind their national team.
This is class !! Going to be epic 🇿🇦vs 🇮🇪
Next week this time !! pic.twitter.com/OS4DBcuzsQ— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) June 29, 2024
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Ferris " There is a lot of love for Ireland in South Africa"
Speaking to The Build-up with Ladbrokes Stephen Ferris says that it's worth remembering that despite the tensions between the countries, there is a tremendous amount of respect between Ireland and South Africa. After all, quite a few South Africans having worn the red of Munster or the white and red of Ulster.
There's a lot of love for Ireland in South Africa, they respect the type of rugby that they play, they enjoy watching them and there are a lot of South African player that have gone over to play in Ireland, and there seems to be a slight affiliation with some of the provinces.
Many people can say that they don't like each other and that there is this heated rivalry, and of course there is a rivalry but I think there is a lot of respect and that has to be remembered.
South Africa haven't beaten Ireland since 2016 and they will be chomping at the bit to go out and lay down a marker.
The South African side are gung-ho they are absolutely fully loaded and they will be looking for revenge.
The outcome of this test series is likely to settle any debate, giving the winner all the bragging rights and although the sides might respect each other, that's not to say this is going to seriously physical match.
Ireland's summer tour of South Africa is set to get underway Saturday at 4pm (Irish time). The game will be played at altitude at the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria.
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