The Springboks are expecting a massive challenge in their third Rugby World Cup Pool B encounter against Ireland and captain Siya Kolisi says they are ready to give everything.
South Africa will lock horns against the number one ranked team in a must-win clash at Stade de France on Saturday night. The match kicks off at 9pm.
The clash between the current and number and two ranked teams in the world is tipped as one of the biggest matchups for both teams in the pool rounds and the build-up to the match has rubberstamped this opinion.
Ireland is sitting on number one in the pool and Kolisi admitted that they are anticipating an epic battle ahead.
“This is as big as it gets,” Kolisi told SA rugby media.
“They are the number one team in the world, and we are playing them in a world cup. They’ve won 14 games in a row, and it will take a top performance to beat them.
“It is going to take something special to get out of this pool. We took a lot from the last match we played against them. And both teams are playing well, so this is a good time to face them.”
Kolisi said the team is in good spirits and believes that the only way for them to oust the Irish is by playing competitive rugby.
The likes of Boks prop Steven Kitshoff and centre Damian de Allende will be expected to be at their best, with De Allende set to line up against Ireland centre Bundee Aki – who will earn himself his 50th cap.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has since urged his troops to be at the highest discipline.
“When you have the top two teams in the world playing against one another discipline will be very important,” he said.
“If you concede penalties against a team like Ireland, they’ll either get territory or points, so they’ll put us under pressure. We must be disciplined to get the right result.”
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