While the rugby media in Dublin are describing Saturday's test as a "revenge match" and the "clash of the best of the North and South", the South Africans are refusing to get drawn into the hype.
The Springboks are reluctant to post too much about this match, and according to coach Pieter de Villiers this test will be same as any other which the South Africans have played this year.
"We are definitely not seeing this as a clash between the champions of the Six Nations and the champions of the Tri-Nations. This is nothing more than any other test we have had to play this year.
"The Springboks are role models in South Africa and winning on the rugby field gives the country hope and makes the people optimistic. This is exactly what we are aiming to achieve again on Saturday. This remains our goal in every test, regardless of the opposition."
He also did not want to react to the views of the Irish captain, Brian O'Driscoll, earlier this year that De Villiers brought the game into disrepute.
This statement followed after De Villers refused to condemn Schalk Burger's alledged eye gouging as a punishable offence during the test series between the British and Irish Lions and the Springboks.
"I will not react on that. O'Driscoll has the right to express his opinion, just like half the Irish population think that Paul O'Connell should captain the Irish," said De Villiers.
"It was probably a sensitive topic for him because there were three instances of eye gouging in Ireland in the recent past and Schalk was found innocent of such an accusation." (He was still suspended for the incident.)
De Villiers said that he would rather focus on getting his team emotionally and physically ready for the match. "Last year before the last match we just about did not practice, because the guys were tired. This time we do not have much of a choice because of injuries. Hopefully it works out for us again.
He is worried that the injuries will influence his choices on the reserve bench.
"There are combinations in the starting line-up and on the bench which could be affected."
De Villiers also believes that the perception that Bok scrum is weak, is not true. "We pass judgment too easily, because there is simply not one test where you push back the guys in every scrum.
"Our pack gained a lot of self-confidence out of that one scrum in the second half (against Italy) when we absolutely crushed them, (Martin) Castrogiovanni included."
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by Wayne November 24, 2009 10:45 GMT
I am a South African living in Ireland and the hype regarding this match is huge, the are saying that this is the perfect opportunity to set the records right that Northern Hemisphere rugby is equal if not better than Southern hemisphere rugby. I never took the Irish to be an arrogant bunch, but they are!! I hope the Boks can do us proud yet again and leave me with the bragging rights for the next year!! Viva South Africa Viva!!
by Warren November 24, 2009 11:11 GMT
yes we crushed them but he does not comment on the fact that the front row that scrummaged well against italy in the last quarter all played in their original positions? i hope this is a eye opener for pdv!!!
by bryan November 24, 2009 11:26 GMT
why do the Irish continue to slag south africa off when they''ve accomplished nothing.The six nations is a mickey mouse tournament played by a bunch of whiners.They are quick to mention the Burger eye gouging incident but don''t mention all the eye gouging incidents in I reland recently,three I think.Hmmm!! I rest my case.
Hope the BOKKE thrash them
by boknaai November 24, 2009 11:39 GMT
Any self respecting rugby supporter knows that one off test matches can go either way. Lets play home and away and see who is who in the irish zoo. Very easy to talk big when you are playing at home. Even if we lose, we will still be no1. The law of averages governs the best in the world.
by Tommy November 24, 2009 12:00 GMT
Small things amusses small minds and the Irish are not big, are they?? What about O''driscoll''s "kamme Kasi" tackle on one of our players during the LIONS SERIES that went unpunished??
by Bakkies 4 Centre! November 24, 2009 12:07 GMT
The French got in our faces and the Irish will do the same. Last game of the season may turn from handbags at 5 paces to something a bit more physical - that''s what the Irish will want. O''Driscol played that role for the Lions in SA (he never shut up on the field and kept shoulder charging till he knocked himself out) on top of whinging. Personally I would like to play Bakkies at centre for the first 10 minutes :))
by Heath November 24, 2009 12:13 GMT
How well have Ireland done in ANY of the world cups?! Six nations rugby is not only boring compared to Southern hemisphere rugby, but also played in different conditions.
It is unfortunate that the seasons are not at the same time of the year, because one team will always be fresher than the other. We know we have the better team, including O''Gara picking some points for us.
Ireland will always consider themsleves a good team - I just can''t wait for Bakkies to punish Brian O''Driscoll the Old Testement way!
