Former Ireland loose forward Alan Quinlan believes the Springboks’ extraordinary depth makes them the most dangerous team in world rugby.
The world champions are hunting their first win in Dublin since 2012 against an Ireland team that has won four of the last five meetings between the sides.
“They definitely have two sides that can beat anyone in the world – and probably a third-string side as well,” Quinlan told CasinoHawks. “They deserve massive credit for winning back-to-back World Cups. What Rassie Erasmus has done is just phenomenal. It’s incredible the level they’re at, the detail, and the systems they have in place now.”
Quinlan said the Springboks’ depth is the envy of most Test nations, including Ireland.
“Andy Farrell would love to have the kind of depth South Africa enjoys. Rassie didn’t just come in and pick the best players. He went deep into the system, aligned the regions, and put structures in place that are now bearing fruit. They’re always going to have players coming through – power, strength, big rugby players.”
KOLBE: Dublin win would be massive for Boks
The rivalry between the teams has sharpened in recent years, fuelled in part by comments after Ireland beat the Boks at the 2023 World Cup. Quinlan believes that backdrop adds spice but not animosity.
“I think deep down South Africa respect Ireland, but they see Ireland as a big scalp. They see someone who has annoyed them in the last couple of years, in the sense that they can’t shake them off.”
He expects Saturday’s battle to hinge on accuracy and resilience.
“South Africa are relentless. Everything they do is at such an intense level. You can’t switch off for a second or you’ll be driven backwards or turned over. Every intricate thing matters for 80 minutes.”
RECENT MEETINGS: Ireland have the Boks’ number
While impressed by Ireland’s attacking shape, Quinlan warned that the Boks’ physicality and set-piece pressure remain defining strengths.
“You just cannot play if you don’t have a set-piece. That’s where it starts against South Africa. But if Ireland get their scrum, lineout and breakdown right, of course they can cause South Africa problems.”
DU TOIT: Ireland pose a different challenge
Quinlan expects a ferocious contest in Dublin on Saturday but one played with mutual respect.
“I’m sure the players will have a beer with each other afterwards. But on the field, it’ll be ruthless. It’s going to be an incredible game.”
Photo: Luke Walker/Getty Images
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