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Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says they will have to be at their very best when they take on Ireland in their Outgoing Tour Test match at their cauldron of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.
Etzebeth, who took his tally of Bok caps to 139 during the win over France two weeks ago, players are excited with the “nice opportunity” to try to change their fortunes in Dublin where they last won a Test in 2012.
The teams last met last year in South Africa during the Incoming Series winning one match each, but Etzebeth said facing Ireland at home was a tough prospect because they are a “great team”.
“They have been in the top three of the world rankings for the last couple of years, so they are a quality outfit and we are looking forward to this game,” said Etzebeth.
“When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture was definitely one that stood out, so we are excited. It’s going to be a good match, we haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.”
Etzebeth shot down suggestions they will after revenge after their 19-16 defeat against Ireland in Dublin in 2022.
“This is a completely different challenge. That was over a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in one week, and many things have changed since then.”
Etzebeth added they will use insights from Irish-based players RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn and assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery who have played Test rugby in Emerald Green.
“We have quite a few foreigners in our management group, but we don’t see them as such – we see them as part of the Springboks, and we get along very well with all of them,” said Etzebeth.
“And obviously, guys like RG and Jean have more insight into the Irish, but it’s professional rugby, and Ireland will be smart and probably change a few things.”
Meanwhile, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said they are going to appeal the suspensions of Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager who received red cards recently.
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