Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has flagged the upcoming clash in Dublin as potentially the most daunting fixture for the Springboks on their year-end tour. According to Mallett, Ireland has morphed into the Springboks' nemesis, particularly under Rassie Erasmus' leadership, where they've maintained a superior win-loss record against the reigning world champions. The weight of history looms large, with South Africa not having secured a victory on Irish turf since 2012.
Mallett reminisced about the ferocious first half of last year's Test in Durban to underline the physicality the Irish bring to the pitch. "That first half was one of the hardest 40 minutes of Test match rugby I think I’ve ever witnessed," he penned. Ireland's strategy, combining brute force with cerebral gameplay near the tryline, has been a crucial element of their success, he explained.
"They're a very clever team in the way that they can play on the advantage line with short passes to hard runners, as well playing out the back to a deeper backline player who can then move the point of attack,"
Mallett used Mack Hansen’s dynamic plays against Australia as a prime example of Ireland's ability to swiftly shift the point of attack, stressing the need for a vigilant defence close to the tryline. He also praised Ireland's tactical use of space and their adeptness in keeping the ball alive, providing multiple options for the ball carrier.
Yet, it's not just about tactics and execution; Mallett highlighted the physical battle upfront. "Ireland have virtually a British Lions front row and they’ve picked Ryan Baird on the flank… They’re trying to match size with size and I think they can match South Africa’s physicality," he noted, suggesting that the usual late-game dominance enjoyed by the Boks might not materialize this time around.
With Ireland's recent confidence-boosting victory over Australia, Mallett's advice was straightforward but stern: the Springboks must disrupt Ireland's rhythm and deny them the momentum they thrive on. "The Wallabies were very passive on defence and gave them time on the ball which made them look very good. The Springboks simply cannot allow that." As the teams prepare to face off, it promises to be a clash that could either uphold or overturn a decade-long narrative.
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Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has flagged the upcoming clash in Dublin as potentially the most daunting fixture for the Springboks on their year-end tour. According to Mallett, Ireland has morphed into the Springboks' nemesis, particularly under Rassie Erasmus' leadership, where they've maintained a superior win-loss record against the reigning world champions. The weight of history looms large, with South Africa not having secured a victory on Irish turf since 2012.
Mallett reminisced about the ferocious first half of last year's Test in Durban to underline the physicality the Irish bring to the pitch. "That first half was one of the hardest 40 minutes of Test match rugby I think I’ve ever witnessed," he penned. Ireland's strategy, combining brute force with cerebral gameplay near the tryline, has been a crucial element of their success, he explained.
"They're a very clever team in the way that they can play on the advantage line with short passes to hard runners, as well playing out the back to a deeper backline player who can then move the point of attack,"
Mallett used Mack Hansen’s dynamic plays against Australia as a prime example of Ireland's ability to swiftly shift the point of attack, stressing the need for a vigilant defence close to the tryline. He also praised Ireland's tactical use of space and their adeptness in keeping the ball alive, providing multiple options for the ball carrier.
Yet, it's not just about tactics and execution; Mallett highlighted the physical battle upfront. "Ireland have virtually a British Lions front row and they’ve picked Ryan Baird on the flank… They’re trying to match size with size and I think they can match South Africa’s physicality," he noted, suggesting that the usual late-game dominance enjoyed by the Boks might not materialize this time around.
With Ireland's recent confidence-boosting victory over Australia, Mallett's advice was straightforward but stern: the Springboks must disrupt Ireland's rhythm and deny them the momentum they thrive on. "The Wallabies were very passive on defence and gave them time on the ball which made them look very good. The Springboks simply cannot allow that." As the teams prepare to face off, it promises to be a clash that could either uphold or overturn a decade-long narrative.