Jean de Villiers believes there will be mind games in the build-up to the Springboks’ blockbuster clash with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, the former Bok captain said the history and recent edge between the two sides almost guarantees psychological sparring.
“There will be mind games during the build-up,” De Villiers insisted. “They’ve got an experienced coaching staff, as do we with Rassie [Erasmus] and his team, so there will be talk before and taunts thrown out to see who takes the bait.”
AFRICA PICKS: Autumn Nations Series weekend wrap & betting lessons
The Boks head to Dublin buoyed by a 32-14 win over Italy despite another red card, but De Villiers says Ireland, who thrashed the Wallabies 46-19, remain a major stumbling block.
“Ireland … that’s the other one where we need to tick that box and get a result,” he said. “We haven’t won in Ireland since 2012. It’s a hell of a long time, and even though we’ve beaten them, Ireland has very much been our bogey team since 2004.”
GAZA: Boks desperate to crack the Aviva
De Villiers expects Ireland to be fiercely prepared.
“They analyse well, and they’ll be up for that one,” he added.
He also noted the lingering narrative from the 2023 World Cup, when the Boks lost to Ireland in the pool stage.
“Whenever there’s the slightest chance, we’re reminded of that defeat. In Ireland, our whole campaign has a bit of an asterisk.”
MORE: Ireland brace for game-changing Boks
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Jean: Boks, Ireland to throw out taunts appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
