Ireland have shifted their focus firmly onto the world champion Springboks after dismantling Australia in Dublin.
Loose forward Jack Conan says Andy Farrell’s team are embracing what many believe will be the Test of the season.
South Africa arrive at the Aviva Stadium in formidable form. Since retaining the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023, the Boks have won 21 of 25 Tests, lifted back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, and rolled through their November fixtures with victories against Japan, France and Italy.
Yet it’s a rivalry Ireland have handled well. Farrell’s side have won four of the last five meetings, including their pool-stage triumph at the 2023 World Cup and a hard-fought 1-1 series draw on South African soil in 2024.
Conan knows exactly what’s coming, and says Ireland are relishing the scale of the challenge.
“They’re a good team, aren’t they? You see what they’re doing with the bench and how they apply their forwards,” he said.
“They’re changing the game and it’s great to see. It’s innovation, it’s interesting, it’s getting eyeballs on the game and they’re going really well.
“They’re an unbelievably physical side and deserve to be the best in the world, so it’ll be a huge challenge for us.
“But we love a challenge. We love having to be better and grow bigger.”
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Ireland appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time with their 46-19 drubbing of the Wallabies.
It followed a lacklustre 26-13 defeat to the All Blacks and a disjointed 41-10 win over Japan earlier this month.
Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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