The Springboks are the 'talk of world rugby' - Robbie Henshaw
Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw believes their upcoming match against the world-renowned Springboks will be a crucial 'test' for the squad's current standing. The Irish team has had a rollercoaster ride so far, with a disappointing loss to New Zealand followed by a less-than-stellar performance against Japan. However, they showed their mettle with a dominant 46-19 victory over Australia, with Henshaw contributing a try.
The Springboks, having claimed the Rugby Championship, are on a winning streak in their November matches in the northern hemisphere. They aim to complete an impressive tour with a win in Dublin, following victories over Japan at Wembley, France, and Italy.
This match holds historical significance as Ireland famously defeated South Africa in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup, and the two teams drew in a summer series in 2024. Henshaw is optimistic that the Irish team can build on their recent performance against Australia and deliver another strong showing at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (17:40 GMT).
Henshaw praises the Springboks' depth and individual talent, noting their ability to grind out results and turn the tide in their favor. He highlights the importance of this match as a 'proper test' for Ireland, especially considering their recent head-to-head results, where each team has won once since last summer. The centre emphasizes the excitement of facing a proud nation like South Africa, promising an exhilarating match in Dublin.
Looking ahead, Henshaw acknowledges that Ireland has room for improvement, particularly in their physicality and stopping the momentum of opposing teams. He emphasizes the need for a strong performance in the upcoming matches to end 2025 on a high note.
