"They are not softies, they're not like Ireland."
These are the comments, from South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, which came to light after the release of the Chasing the Sun documentary in 2020.
They fit perfectly with the narrative that Ireland struggle to cope with big packs - see France and England, 2022 - and South Africa have a deserved reputation of being the meanest pack in world rugby.
At least England got a similar treatment from Rassie, who also said "they're not like England, who goes away. They are tough f******s."
Rassie was of course talking about Waaren Gatland's Wales team, who have consistently played above themselves in recent world cups, while Ireland struggle to find form every four years.
However, Ireland's recent record against South Africa is excellent, winning five out of seven home game against the Springboks since 2004.
Thankfully, unlike France, New Zealand, and RWC quarter-finals, South Africa is not a side that Ireland have an unnecessary hoodoo with, and they will be confident to follow through with their favourites tag.
Ireland vs South Africa
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Ahead of today's showdown, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell laid bare the enormity of the challenge for his side.
“I have said this to the players. This is called living, there is no better time to be an Irish rugby player.
“Meeting an All Blacks XV tonight and performing for the group and then backing up the next day with the other lads. It doesn’t really get any better.
“When the Springboks are in town, everyone gets super excited.
“We know what is coming, everyone else knows what is coming, which is why everyone else is super excited.
“We’ll play this game and for whoever is picked the week after that will be the biggest game.
“For you guys and for the public, this is, ‘W ow, as big as it gets’ and we 100pc get that.
“But I promise you, next week for whoever takes the field that will be their biggest game as well. They are under the spotlight the whole time they know they are going to be judged, so therefore the feelings are pretty similar.
“Having said that, there is no doubt there is going to be an extra edge on Saturday night.”
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