Ireland faces South Africa in a pool game for the ages at the Stade de France.
The losers of this game have a date with France in the quarter-finals. The French, who lost their captain Dupont in the game against Namibia, now have a stern test ahead of themselves.
South Africa will look to defend their title, while top-ranked Ireland looks forward to taking them down.
South Africa has already made a statement in the tournament with their record-breaking win against New Zealand as well as their win over Scotland.
Ireland has grown in confidence in recent times and always seems ready for the big games. Their mentality has shone brightly in Test series and grand slam deciders.
Ireland’s assistant coach Paul O’Connell, a former Irish national player, stated, “We’ve had a Test series decider down in New Zealand in Wellington, we’ve had a grand slam decider, we’ve had a tough autumn series against some very tricky opposition. The boys have always found a way and figured it out. It’s a real strength of theirs.”
Captain Siya Kolisi backs South African Analysis of opponents.
Pace, precision, decision-making, finishing, and adaptability are the strengths that have made Ireland a massive threat against any team, including the defending champions.
South Africans are just as good in terms of their structure, motivation, and organizational skills.
The margin for error for both squads and coaches is next to zero, with minute details looking to be the difference maker.
The goal-kicking ability of Ireland’s Johnny Sexton is going to be a threat to South Africa, who will look to take him down.
Budee Ak, Van der Flier, Doris, and O’Mahony will all look to make their marks in a game as big as this.
South Africa is known for their dynamic wingers like Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe, who will look to bring their versatility to the table.
Siya Kolisi, the South African captain, spoke highly of the way the South African coaches have analyzed and prepared for the games over the course of the World Cup and seemed confident of a victory against the tough Ireland lineup.
Speaking to the press, Kolisi said, “It’s crazy … when we played Scotland, I looked at this guy, and I knew exactly how he was going to come and tackle me. And Rassie gets us as human beings. He reminds us exactly what we do and who we are doing it for. He also thinks about some of the mistakes he made when he played, and he is not scared to share that. Whatever you are going through, he is always there.”
Ireland, who have won their past four meetings in six games against South Africa, now look forward to making it five wins in seven, making a statement in this World Cup, while South Africa prepare to defend their crown.
