As the Springboks take aim at Ireland on Saturday and as the build-up to the Rugby World Cup gains momentum, skipper Siya Kolisi says they still remember the 2017 38-3 loss against the Irish.
Kolisi will lead the current World Cup holders, Springboks, and states the loss in 2017 is still haunting them as a team.
With the match set to be played in Dublin, Kolisi reflected on their 38-3 defeat to Ireland in 2017 as one of their darkest days as a team.
However, the Cell C Sharks star, Kolisi, quickly reminded himself that there is a grander prize they dare not lose sight of as this will be the first match since the heavy defeat.
“Of course, we touched on that game but this is a new team. We want to build on what we’ve done this year. We can’t focus too much on that. Ireland have evolved and we are third in the world [rugby],” noted Kolisi.
“For us that is something we can’t forget. One of our darkest days in the Bok team. They are much better than they were back then.”
The Gqeberha-born skipper, Kolisi, says the Test match will help them gain momentum as they look to defend their World Cup title.
“It is for us more about momentum. The coach wants to see players and it is important for us as a group. They are No1 in world. It might make an impact but the RWC is completely different. It will be good for us if we can pull through,” added Kolisi.
“Ireland are a team that doesn’t mind going through 15 phases or more, but we trust our defence.
“We have to find ways of slowing them down. We’ve done it before we can do it again. We have to be disciplined through those phases. If we’re not Johnny Sexton will punish us with his boot.”
The eagerly anticipated encounter will be staged at Aviva Stadium at 19:30 (SA time) and the two sides will meet for the 27th time.
The South Africans head to the clash with an edge as they have claimed 18 wins out of 26 Tests played to date.
Main Image: Siya Kolisi/Good Things Guy
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