Springbok No 9 Grant Williams says a potential duel with Ireland’s tempo-driving scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park is driving his preparation for Saturday’s Test in Dublin.
Williams, who has injected speed and sharpness into the Bok attack over the past two seasons, made it clear that Gibson-Park’s influence is one of the defining threats they must manage at the Aviva Stadium.
“For me, Jamison is up there with the best nines in the world at the moment. His influence on the game is really good. If I get selected, it’ll be a good battle,” Williams said – a nod of respect towards the Irish playmaker who has been central to Ireland’s recent success in this rivalry.
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Gibson-Park was pivotal in Ireland’s 2022 victory against the Boks in Dublin and played a major role again during the 2023 World Cup pool match between the teams in Paris. His pace, game-control and ability to accelerate Ireland’s attack have consistently created problems for the Boks – and Williams knows it.
But while Gibson-Park looms large as Ireland’s key rhythm-setter, Williams insists the Springboks’ focus won’t drift from their own approach.
“Every match gets the same focus. If we play France, we just focus on France. It’s every week for itself,” he said.
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Ireland have won four of their last five Tests against the Boks, including the 2017 and 2022 Dublin showdowns and the 2023 World Cup clash.
The teams then split a tight two-Test series in South Africa in July last year, further intensifying what has become one of rugby’s most compelling matchups.
Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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