Boks Dismiss Talk of Ireland Grudge Match Ahead of Dublin Test

Springbok prop Thomas du Toit and scrumhalf Grant Williams have rejected suggestions that South Africa will approach Saturday’s clash against Ireland in Dublin as a grudge match, despite last year’s narrow 25-24 defeat in Durban, the last time the two teams met.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, both players said past results hold no bearing on the team’s mindset this week.

Du Toit said the narrative of revenge was driven from outside, insisting the Boks prepare for each fixture in isolation. He added that Ireland’s structured style and clear tactical identity would present a different challenge to France and Italy, who the Springboks played over the last two weekends, and noted that his experience playing in the United Kingdom has helped him adapt to the cold and wet conditions expected at the Aviva Stadium.

Williams echoed the sentiment, saying the side approaches every opponent the same way. He also praised his counterpart, Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park, as one of the best scrumhalves in world rugby and said facing him would be a strong contest if selected.

Du Toit paid tribute to fellow prop Ox Nche, who was named on the four-player shortlist for World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, calling him a special person and an exceptional player. Nche is sidelined after being injured earlier in the tour.

Rassie Erasmus will announce the Springbok matchday squad later today.