Brian O’Driscoll says there is a “nervousness” around facing Ireland after both Rassie Erasmus and Ian Foster aimed barbs at their World Cup rivals.
Ireland can seal top spot in Pool B and their place in the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Scotland in Paris on Saturday.
However, Andy Farrell’s side has come under fire in the past week, with Foster criticising Ireland’s style of play in the 13-8 win over the Springboks, saying fans would much rather watch New Zealand’s one-sided 96-point demolition of Italy.
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“Isn’t it a lovely compliment that we’re getting talked about?,” former Ireland centre O’Driscoll said on Off The Ball. “There weren’t many World Cups in the past where people would pay too much attention to what was going on, even when we were beating Australia in 2011 and France.
“Maybe they had reason to question our ability to back those victories up. All of a sudden, the Springbok Director of Rugby, the New Zealand head coach are talking about their game and trying to heap pressure on Ireland.
“It would make you think that there’s a nervousness around the prospect of seeing an Irish team at a future stage in the tournament.”
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Meanwhile, Erasmus said that he would rather be in South Africa’s position going into this weekend, while playing up Scotland’s chances of knocking Ireland out in the pool stage.
The Springboks are on a bye, having played all four of their pool fixtures, and could top the pool if Scotland beat Ireland.
“A lot of players will get a sense of what’s being said [in the media],” O’Driscoll said. “So, a lot of that coaching stuff has really leaked into rugby where coaches are planting seeds for opposition as much as their own team.
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“I think [Erasmus] is just trying to ratchet up the pressure, isn’t he? It is a knockout game. If Scotland come and win 8-0 they will qualify. There is an element of truth to what he’s saying.
“We have to continue to deliver our high standards. Historically, knockout rugby hasn’t been our friend at World Cups. So, he’s just trying to bring the temperature up on the players’ mentality, performance and expectations.
“Firing a few grenades is his modus now. Sometimes he oversteps the mark. I think this is entertaining.”
Photo: CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP