Eben Etzebeth says facing Ireland on Saturday is a “nice opportunity” to try to change fortunes in Dublin, where the Springboks last won a Test in 2012.
Since then, the Boks have suffered three defeats at the home of Irish rugby, in 2014, 2017 and 2022.
Speaking at a press conference in the Ireland capital on Monday, the veteran of 139 Tests, said: “When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture was definitely one that stood out, so we’re excited. It’s going to be a good match. We haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.
“Ireland have been in the top three of the world rankings for the last couple of years, so they are a quality outfit and we are looking forward to this game.”
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The Bok enforcer didn’t read too much into last year’s drawn home Test series, which saw the world champions win 27-20 at Loftus before going down 25-24 in Durban.
“This is a completely different challenge. That was over a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in one week, and many things have changed since then.”
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Etzebeth referenced Ireland’s record 46-19 win over Australia on Saturday, noting “they played a really good game”.
Asked about the influence of Irish-based players RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn, and Bok assistant coaches and former Ireland internationals Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery on Saturday’s fixture, he said while they may have extra insight into the Irish way of doing things, the hosts would not be caught out by that.
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“We have quite a few foreigners in our management group, but we don’t see them as such – we see them as part of the Springboks, and we get along very well with all of them,” said Etzebeth.
“And obviously, guys like RG and Jean have more insight into the Irish, but it’s professional rugby, and Ireland will be smart and probably change a few things.”
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Photo: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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