Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024 Ireland tour of South Africa
South Africa v Ireland
Loftus Versfeld
Pretoria, South Africa
Saturday, 6 July 2022
Kick-off is at 17h00
South Africa will be seeking their first win against Ireland in four matches when they lock horns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, July 6.
The Springboks last beat Ireland on 25 June 2016 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, with their next three encounters all taking place overseas.
The reigning Six Nations champions were the only team to triumph against South Africa at the 2023 World Cup, having run out 13-8 victors in the pool stage.
Rassie Erasmus' side only recently returned from the United Kingdom, where they thrashed Wales 41-13 at Twickenham on June 22 in their first Test since winning the World Cup.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Erasmus has named 12 starters from the team that edged New Zealand 12-11 in the final, alongside Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche for the visit of the Irish.
"This is the team we believe will give us the impetus we need against Ireland, who are the second-highest ranked team in the world," Erasmus said.
"We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level.
"The fact that most of these guys have played together is a bonus for us, and most of them have faced Ireland before so they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, especially since we haven't beaten them since 2016."
Ireland have never won a test series in South Africa though, with their sole victory coming on 11 June 2016 at Newlands in Cape Town (26-20).
Andy Farrell's side are playing in their first Test since successfully defending their Six Nations crown when they beat Scotland 17-13 in March.
Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt, who was born in South Africa, is looking forward to renewing their fierce rivalry with the Boks in Pretoria.
"The rivalry's been good, that's what you want at Test level, it's why you play the game," Catt said. "We've been pretty successful over the past three times we've played them, they're champing at the bit.
"There’s been a lot said in the press and this and that. It's getting rid of all the white noise. What's important for us is to put in a hell of a performance, and go and challenge to win a series down in South Africa.
"It's exciting to go and challenge yourself against the best in the world. That's the opportunity these guys have got. Hopefully we can go make the most of it."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 28
South Africa wins - 18
Ireland wins - 9
Draws - 1
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