Siya Kolisi says the Springboks have placed a big emphasis on the breakdown battle for their crucial World Cup clash against Ireland on Saturday.
The defending world champions prepare to face the Irish in one of the biggest duels in the Rugby World Cup thus far at the Stade de France in Paris in their round three pool match.
The game will have a pivotal influence on determining the Pool B quarter-finalists, as well as having the number one world ranking up for grabs.
While Bok coach Jacques Nienaber said good discipline would be vital, captain Kolisi spoke about the importance of the breakdowns.
“The breakdowns are going to be big,” said Kolisi.
“They have a lot of players who are effective in that department, and I think that will have a big influence on the game.”
It has been an even battle between the two nations in the last decade, with Ireland and South Africa winning four of their past eight games between 2010 and 2022.
The most recent meeting last November saw Ireland come out with a 19-16 victory in Dublin.
“This is as big as it gets,” said Kolisi.
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“They are the number one team in the world, and we are playing them in a World Cup. They’ve won 15 games in a row, and it will take a top performance to beat them. It is going to take something special to get out of this pool.”
“We took a lot from the last match we played against them,” Kolisi added. “And both teams are playing well, so this is a good time to face them. We want to play nice, competitive rugby and I believe the match will be tough and played in a good spirit.”
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Photo: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP
