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BBC Rugby Union: Ireland Determined to Level Series Against Springboks
Durban, June 18 – Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher exudes confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back with a win over the Springboks in Saturday’s second Test at Kings Park. Kelleher, who is expected to start due to a knee injury to Dan Sheehan, believes Ireland can make the necessary adjustments to level the series.
Last weekend, Andy Farrell’s men fell to a narrow 27-20 defeat against South Africa in Pretoria, with Kelleher himself being penalized for playing the ball on the ground at a ruck before James Lowe’s try was disallowed. However, the experienced hooker insists the team has moved on from the incident, focusing instead on “controlling what they can control” and “bettering themselves” throughout the entire game.
“We’re very confident,” Kelleher stated. “It was more about the little, fine details that we’re gonna have to try and fix to try to change the outcome of some of the moments from the previous game.”
The Leinster and Ireland teammate’s absence due to Sheehan’s injury is compounded by the unavailability of scrum-half Craig Casey, who is sidelined with a concussion. Nevertheless, Kelleher remains positive, acknowledging Sheehan’s importance but emphasizing the squad’s depth and determination to put their “best foot forward” in the second Test.
“He’ll be a big loss but there’s competition in the squad and we have to make sure we do our job and make sure that we put our best foot forward and make sure we leave the team in a good place,” Kelleher said of Sheehan’s injury.
The Irish squad is eager to address the “little, fine details” that cost them the first match and level the rugby union series against the formidable Springboks at Kings Park on Saturday.
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