Springboks seek to end Dublin hoodoo against resilient Ireland

The Springboks will return to Dublin this weekend chasing a victory that has eluded them for more than a decade.

South Africa last beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2012, and Saturday’s clash (7.40pm kick-off) offers the world champions a chance to end a 13-year wait for success in the Irish capital.

They came agonisingly close on their previous visit in 2022, falling 19–16 in a bruising Test that still sticks with Bok winger Cheslin Kolbe. Clashes between Ireland and the world champions have been tight contests in recent years, and Kolbe admits that the Boks’ inability to grab key moments during encounters proved costly.

“We came close in 2022, but we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal, and that definitely cost us,” Kolbe said about that encounter.

“They, on the other hand, capitalise on their opportunities really well, especially over the last few years. They have a strong coaching staff and a well-structured game. Whether we’ve played in South Africa, here, or on neutral ground, it’s always been 50/50 games.

“We must ensure we implement what we want to do this weekend and what the coaches have set out for us, and also be able to adapt to the scenarios on the field.”

Kolbe said that while breaking their Dublin drought would be significant for the squad’s confidence and momentum, the focus remains firmly on preparation and execution. The winger believes nothing will come easy against an Irish side that has become one of the world's most tactically disciplined and physically uncompromising outfits.

“It would obviously be massive for the team, for our growth, and the way we want to move forward if we can get the result. However, our focus is on trying to ensure that we train as well as we can this week, and that we’re confident going into the weekend so we can play a good game of rugby.

“The South Africa vs Ireland game is always a massive contest, and it will get as physical as it can. Whichever team you play for, especially for the Springboks, you would obviously love to win every match.

"Personally, I haven’t won here.”

Kolbe also expects an intense aerial contest, pointing out that both sides have sharpened their kicking strategies.The Bok speedster, alongside fellow wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, and Ethan Hooker, has been terrorising opposition defences with their expertise under box kicks.

But the Irish are known for their prowess in the air, so a hotly contested duel is expected in this department.

“Kicking has become a big weapon for all teams. It helps us,

"too. Having watched their game last weekend against Australia, they’ve been capitalising on getting the ball back following kicks. They are more desperate for the scraps than other teams are to win those balls.

“I love running with the ball, but getting under those kicks is a skill I have been refining since my debut in 2018. I work on it continuously. It is a benefit to the team, that is how we view it.”

Kolbe also praised teammates Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit on their World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year nominations.The trio will go up against Frenchman Louis Bielle-Biarrey for the coveted award.