Springboks' Grant Williams wary of Ireland chess master Jamison Gibson-Park

Ireland’s talismanic scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park has been a thorn in the Springboks’ side for a number of years.

The Leinster No 9 has been central to Ireland’s rise under Andy Farrell, dictating tempo and providing the spark behind their high-paced attacking structure.

Gibson-Park is the chess master in their intricate way of playing. Ireland play an outcomes-based attacking game that is planned a few phases ahead to achieve the desired result. They create mismatches between backs and forwards and gaps on the inside or outside of the defensive line for their strike runners to cause the most damage.

Last year, during their two-match series in South Africa which ended in a drawn 1-1 series, Ireland managed to combat the Springboks’ famed rush defence with clever inside balls that caused a lot of chaos. While Gibson-Park didn't feature because of injury, he is key to that strategy, with his speed to the breakdown, crisp delivery and ability to create space with his quick service.

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams, speaking in Dublin ahead of Saturday’s match at the Aviva Stadium, was quick to acknowledge Gibson-Park’s influence and quality, describing him as one of the standout halfbacks in the global game.

“He is up there with some of the best scrumhalves in the world,” Williams said. “His influence on the game is really good.”

Springbok tighthead Thomas du Toit said they are expecting more of the same this weekend when it comes to Ireland’s gameplan.

“There are going to be a lot of similarities to what we faced against France and Italy, especially the physicality side of the game,” Du Toit told reporters.

“The difference may be that it will be more of a structured game and structure within structure. From my time playing over here and speaking to guys playing here currently, they really understand their game well, general play and their set-piece plays.

“They think a couple of phases ahead. They know who they want to target, which is something that is going to be a little bit different, but doesn’t change anything.”

While Gibson-Park is a chessmaster, the Paarl-born Williams is the ultimate agent of chaos. The Bok scrumhalf’s running game is second to none. His explosiveness around the fringes and ability to exploit mismatches have made him a valuable option in a system that increasingly blends strategic kicking with moments of high-intensity running.

Williams has been steadily growing in stature within the Bok setup, providing a different dimension to the team’s traditional halfback profile, especially when coming off the bench.

The Boks’ record against Ireland isn’t great and last year’s defeat in Durban with the series on the line must still be eating at Rassie Erasmus and his charges.

Much has also been made about the Springboks’ opportunity to make a statement against an Irish team who have had the Boks’ number in Ireland. The Springboks have a poor record in Dublin, having last triumphed there back in November 2012.

However, Williams insists they are treating Saturday’s Test against Ireland like any other match, despite the growing narrative that the clash resembles a series decider after last year’s drawn series.

Williams said the Springboks were refusing to be drawn into discussions about revenge, unfinished business or settling scores. Instead, he emphasised that the team’s preparation has remained consistent regardless of the opposition.

“For us, we focus on every match the same,” Williams said. “So if it’s France, we focus on France. We prepare for every match on its merits.”