Damian Willemse says the Springboks are embracing the scale of Saturday’s showdown against Ireland, as they look to break their winless run at the Aviva Stadium.
“Obviously, we have an eye on Ireland already, and we’ll focus heavily on that game this week,” the fullback said as the Boks made their way from Turin to Dublin.
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For all their recent momentum, this current Bok group has yet to taste victory at the Aviva – a reality that Willemse says is driving the squad’s intensity heading into arguably the world champions’ biggest Test of the year.
“This group of players haven’t won at the Aviva Stadium yet, and that’s definitely a goal for us. We want to put up a strong performance, but it’s going to be a massive game. We’re really looking forward to playing in Dublin.”
Willemse stressed that overturning Ireland in their fortress will demand a full-squad effort, and absolute clarity in the Bok plan.
“We’re going to need everything – every squad member and coach to get the result we want in Ireland. They are a world-class team and we know what they can do, especially in Dublin.”
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He added that the Boks expect a highly strategic contest.
“They are a very strong side with a good coaching staff as well, so they’ll be ready and prepared to come up with plans for us.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board on Monday and make sure we dial in our plans, so that we are ready for the challenge.”
Willemse also fired shots at those suggesting the Boks sent a weakened team to face Italy in Turin.
“In the week, as a team we came together. There was a lot said in the media that this is a B team and we felt that was a bit of disrespect towards a lot of the players in the team,” he told SuperSport.
“Some of the guys have won World Cups, are double World Cup winners like Handre Pollard. Ethan [Hooker] has shown tremendous form, as has Canan [Moodie], and it didn’t sit well with us.
“I think the boys showed that and I’m just really proud of each and everyone – the coaching staff, the physios, the whole staff.
“This is a performance which we will remember for a very long time.”
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Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
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