[SANZAR] Preview: SA v Ireland
South Africa v Ireland
Bloemfontein
Saturday, 12 June
Kick-off: 1400GMT
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has refused to get carried away ahead of
Saturday's clash aainst South Africa.
Having won 10 of the last 13 games, Ireland go into the match full of
confidence, but O'Sullivan still muses over the ones that got away.
"The game against New Zealand two autumns ago was there for the taking,
and then there was the one-point defeat to Australia in the World Cup.
"But we've grown up and have as good a chance as ever to beat South Africa."
Ireland will start with the same side that defeated Scotland in the last Six
Nations game to lift the Triple Crown.
But O'Sullivan knows his side will have to play at their best to return from
the trip in credit.
In the high veldt of Bloemfontein, the Boks will attempt to knock the steam
out of the Irish with a running game coupled with the usual physicality.
That approach has always been successful in the past and new coach Jake
White will want to start of his tenure with a much-needed success.
The fact that Ireland are now ranked fifth in the world ahead of South Africa
has further rankled a proud home nation who will want to prove a point.
The last time Ireland toured the Rainbow Nation was 1998,when th Springboks
were in their arrogant pomp as World champions.
Both Tests turned into adverts for the Marquis of Queensbury rules such was
the sheer physicality and brutality of the games.
Ireland, however, are now a more battle hardened outfit and will not take a
step back.
Lock Paul O'Connell epitomises his side's new-found strength and with the
experience of John Hayes, Anthony Foley, Reggie Corrigan and Mal O'Kelly up
front, an untried South Africa team faces a tough baptism even if it is on
home soil.
The loss of tackling demon De Wet Barry to injury is a big blow to White's
cause.
White had hoped the experienced centre would help close down Ireland midfield
duo Brian O'Driscoll and Six Nations hero Gordon D'Arcy.
It is with that threat behind an experienced pack that could see Ireland add
to the sole victory over South Africa in 14 Tests - but their first on enemy
soil.
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South Africa: G du Toit; B Paulse, M Joubert, W Julies, H Mentz;
J van der Westhuyzen, F du Preez; O Du Randt, J Smit, capt, E Andrews,
B Botha, V Matfield, P Wannenburg, J Smith, S Burger.
Replacements: H Shimange, F Rautenbach/CJ van der Linde, Q Davids, J Cronje,
B Conradie, J Fourie, B Russell.
Ireland: G Dempsey; S Horgan; G D'Arcy, B O'Driscoll, capt, G Murphy;
R O'Gara, P Stringer; R Corrigan, S Byrne, J Hayes, M O'Kelly, P O'Connell,
S Easterby, D Wallace, A Foley.
Replacements: F Sheahan, M Horan, D O'Callaghan, A Quinlan, D Humphreys,
G Easterby, K Maggs.
Referee: Tony Spreadbury (RFU).
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