Beast Mtawarira is confident that the Springboks will beat Ireland and Scotland when they face the two Six Nations teams at the World Cup in France later this year.
World number one Ireland and fifth-ranked Scotland are both alongside the defending world champions in Pool B at the World Cup.
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Both Ireland and Scotland have made unbeaten starts to the Six Nations, with the latter providing a stunning upset of England at Twickenham.
The Springboks beat Scotland 30-15 at Murrayfield in 2021, but narrowly lost to Ireland in Dublin last year.
However, speaking to Independent Media, Mtawarira believes the Springboks have nothing to fear in the pool stages, as they will be too physical for either side.
“We must never be afraid,” Mtawarira told Independent Media.
“We must just be aware. You must know, as a Bok, you are going to have to play your best game when you play against Ireland and Scotland. It is a fight.
“Those teams have been building a lot of momentum over the last couple of years. Scotland has had an injection of South African players as well, and they have been getting better. Ireland has been the No 1 team over the last few years.
“When we play them, we are going to have to bring our best. It can’t just be another game.
“There is no fear. As a Bok player, I never feared Ireland because I believe they can never deliver what we deliver physically. Our set-pieces are going to be key, but we should never fear them, not a chance.”
Photo: Twitter: @Springboks