Cheslin Kolbe expecting physical challenge from 'well coached' Ireland

South Africa go into the Test against Ireland with a point to prove, having lost the last time the two sides met and having not won a match in Dublin since 2012.

Despite that, Kolbe and several other Bok stars have said that revenge is not a driving factor behind the Springboks' motivation to beat Ireland.

Instead, they are preparing for every Test on its own merits and their desire to remain the No. 1-ranked team in the world has a far bigger factor in how they plan for each game.

"Standards in the past, we can't rely on that. They're not going to win us matches and that's what's special about this team. The environment, the culture that the coaches and players have bought into, has been unbelievable," Kolbe said.

"The plans that the coaches come up with, and the buy-in the players have, it's incredible. And whether the coaches come up with a plan, players also have a say, whether they think there's something better we can do, which is also a good environment.

"There's no A or B team here. Everybody is seen as number one, and whoever plays on the weekend, we make sure that we prepare them as well as we can, and we respect each and every one of us.

"We just want the best for the player that has the opportunity to wear a special jersey, because at the end of the day, it's not about us as individuals, it's for the Springboks and for the millions of people back in South Africa that have been behind this team.

"South Africa v Ireland; it's always a massive game. It's going to be as physical as you can get. We came close in 2022 but just didn't capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal that cost us back then.

"It would obviously be massive for the team, for our growth and the way we want to move forward.

"These games are so close, you need to make sure you capitalise on every opportunity, and they've been doing that well over the past few years.

"It's a team that's well coached and has good structure to the game. So, if you're not up for it on the day, they can hurt you."

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