BBC Rugby Union: Springboks Seek Redemption Against Dominant Ireland
Despite their Rugby World Cup triumph, the South African Springboks are determined to “get respect back” against an impressive Ireland side, according to centre Damian de Allende.
The Springboks are the reigning world champions, having won the coveted Webb Ellis Cup in both 2019 and 2023. However, their dominance over the past four years has been marred by a consistent inability to overcome the Irish, who have emerged victorious in their last three meetings.
“The Test match in Dublin in 2022 was a tough loss, so there have been a few tough games against them,” De Allende told RugbyPass TV. “For us as a group and for us as Springboks, it is about getting respect back, not their respect, but our own respect.”
The upcoming two-Test series between the world’s top two teams will be a highly anticipated affair, with the winner likely to claim the number one ranking by the end of July. “That first game against Ireland at Loftus, whether I play or not, it is just going to feel almost like a war,” De Allende said.
The Breakdown Battle
Ireland’s prowess at the breakdown has been a significant factor in their recent success against the Springboks. “The biggest threat is the breakdown, they are so good at the breakdown. No matter if they are getting dominated in contact, they still manage to get the ball out quick enough,” the Springboks centre acknowledged.
Anticipation for the Clashes
The Springboks’ first match since retaining the World Cup title will be against Wales at Twickenham later this month, before they host Andy Farrell’s Ireland side. It will be a special occasion for the South African players and fans, who were unable to celebrate their 2019 triumph due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to it the most because it is the first Test match for us together as a group after we have won the World Cup in front of our own crowd,” De Allende said. “We never got that luxury after winning the 2019 World Cup because of covid and everything like that.”
The bbc rugby union, rugby union, and rugby union news communities will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating this highly anticipated series between the world’s top two rugby union teams, with the Springboks determined to regain the respect they feel they deserve against the formidable Ireland side.
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