The Springboks have conquered Paris, Wellington, London and Yokohama, but never Dublin in the Erasmus era. That’s the last frontier, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that Ireland have become the Springboks’ most honest modern rival, with “four matches since 2022, 320 minutes, and half a point” separating the sides.
The Boks may own four World Cups to Ireland’s none, but the Irish own the recent record: three wins from the last four Tests.
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Erasmus knows Ireland better than most, having been reshaped by his time at Munster, and Keohane says the mutual respect between the nations is real and earned. But this weekend carries a different weight for the world champions: Dublin is the only major away venue they haven’t conquered since Erasmus took charge in 2018.
Keohane highlights Rassie’s bold selection call – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting at 10, with “the King of Kicks Handre Pollard in the stands” – as a sign the Boks intend to attack. The coach “has picked a team to score tries and win by more than a point,” but warns that the only true unknown remains whether the Boks will get “15 vs 15 for 80 minutes.”
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Ireland have been outstanding outside the World Cup, and the Aviva Stadium is their fortress. But Keohane insists this Bok team, world champions and world No 1, must make a statement that they are special.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
