Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey believes the rivalry between Ireland and South Africa has taken on a new edge in recent years.
While not traditionally one of rugby’s classic match-ups, clashes between the two nations have intensified as both sides have risen to the top of the world game.
The Springboks are back-to-back world champions, but Ireland enjoyed a strong run against them between 2017 and 2024, including a 13-8 victory in their pool clash at the 2023 World Cup in Paris.
The Boks eventually struck back with a 27-20 win at Loftus Versfeld in July 2024, before Ireland edged the second Test in Durban 25-24.
South Africa then delivered a statement result in November 2025, beating Ireland 24-13 in Dublin.
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Speaking on the For the Love of Rugby podcast, McCloskey admitted the rivalry has grown in intensity.
“It’s a weird one,” he said. “With them being in the URC now, you see a lot more of the South Africans, there probably is a lot more beef and grittiness there.
“I don’t know what it’s come out of, I think the South Africans just hate the Irish. I don’t know if we hate them as much but I think it’s pretty cordial, it would be good craic between the fans.”
He pointed to the 2023 World Cup as a turning point.
“We were obviously the top two teams in the world there coming up to that World Cup and South Africa went on and did it.
“We came up short but we beat them in the group and that probably stoked it a bit more.”
Even off-field, the rivalry has had its moments, with Ireland’s fan anthem “Zombie” famously adopted – and adapted – by South African supporters.
“It’s not good craic either … Come on lads, think of your own craic,” McCloskey joked.
Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
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