Boks relishing Ireland battle
Ireland’s Six Nations title defence will only serve to fuel the Springboks ahead of the two-Test series in South Africa in July, says Jacques Nienaber.
Ireland’s Six Nations title defence will only serve to fuel the Springboks ahead of the two-Test series in South Africa in July, says Jacques Nienaber.
With the Six Nations now over, the Vodacom URC takes centre stage again, and there is a crucial fortnight of riveting matches to look forward to as the South African teams fight for playoff places.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell can’t wait for the Six Nations champions to lock horns with the 2023 Rugby World Cup winners and top-ranked side, the Springboks, in July.
Italy made a historic finish to the 2024 Six Nations, France edged England and Ireland beat Scotland to retain the crown.
Ireland retained their title with a gritty win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday to clinch the 2024 Six Nations championship.
Bryan Habana has emphasised winning over playing “nice rugby” while weighing in on the debate of whether the Springboks or Ireland is the best team in the world.
Ireland seek to make up for their frustration on missing out on back-to-back Grand Slams by being crowned Six Nations champions in beating Scotland on Saturday.
Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter scored a try apiece to help Ireland overcome a brave Scotland outfit and win a consecutive Six Nations title at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Andy Farrell has kept faith with the Ireland starting XV from the defeat to England hoping they redeem themselves by beating Scotland on Saturday to secure back-to-back Six Nations titles.
Stafford McDowall is set to make just his second Scotland appearance after being selected to start in their Six Nations match against leaders Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.