The chilly climate couldn’t dampen spirits in the Springboks camp and their good vibes confirmed in the team photo hijinx.
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As normal, Frans Steyn was at the guts of the mischief.
Watch: Springboks take the Mickey in Ireland
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The Boks wrapped up their on-field preparations on Friday afternoon with their conventional captain’s run at the stadium. Kolisi mentioned he was happy with the inspiration laid this week and that they had been prepared for the problem.
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“We’ve trained well,” mentioned Kolisi. “Our preparation has been good, and we’ve had a productive week.
“Obviously playing at the Aviva Stadium is going to be a challenge, but we have to adapt as a team just as opposition sides have to adapt when they come to South Africa.”
Ghostbusters
Asked if the ghosts of their 38-3 defeat towards Ireland 5 years in the past was in the again of their minds going into this match, Kolisi mentioned: “We touched on the final match we performed towards Ireland right here and looking out again, it was one of many darkest days for us, however this can be a new team, and we wish to construct on what we’ve executed this 12 months.
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“We are the third-ranked team in the world and they are No 1, and we plan to give everything against them.”
Kolisi mentioned whereas a victory would require an efficient efficiency throughout, he singled out the breakdowns and defence as two important areas in the match.
“The breakdown is going to big this weekend if you look at their loose forwards and locks, and also what they’ve done against us in the past,” mentioned Kolisi.
“Ireland are a team that can go for 15 phases or more, but we trust our defence, and we have to make sure that we are effective and disciplined in that area.”
Springboks welcome again Kolbe
Meanwhile Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was enthusiastic about having Cheslin Kolbe again in the squad.
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Kolbe has been sidelined for months with a damaged jaw, and Stick appeared ahead to the spark the fleet-footed again might doubtlessly convey in his first Test at fullback.
“It’s good to have Cheslin back – he’s a world class player, he is skillful, he has a big heart, and we know what he can do,” mentioned Stick.
“The plan was always to prepare him as back-up for Willie (le Roux), and if you look at the experience between him and Makazole Mapimpi and what Kurt-Lee (Arendse) brings, we have a good balance in the back three, and we’re excited to see what they can do.”
When quizzed concerning the risk the hosts’ halfback pairing of scrumhalf Conor Murray – who will earn play his a centesimal Test for the Irish this weekend – and Johnny Sexton would pose, The Springboks assistant coach mentioned: “Their halfbacks management their sport nicely, they usually draw so much from Johnny’s presence.
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“But that said our priority will be to execute our game plan well because they will probably want to keep the ball as much as possible, meaning we it will be important for us to impose our game plan in the match.”
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