The Springboks are expecting a massive challenge in their round three Rugby World Cup pool encounter against Ireland at Stade de France on Saturday, but according to assistant coach Mzwandile Stick they are ready to give everything.
The clash between the current and No 1 and No 2 teams in the world was tipped as one of the biggest matchups for both teams in the pool rounds and the build-up to the match has rubberstamped this opinion.
Stick was immediately quizzed about the Springboks’ split of seven forwards and one back on the bench at Friday’s media conference, and he played down the excitement, saying it was a simply a case of doing what the team felt was the best option for this match.
“It’s the World Cup,” said Stick.
“It’s the biggest competition in world rugby and when people talk about us it means they are interested in the team. We do what works for us and with our team selection it allows us to ensure that we have fresh legs on the field.”
Stick added: "You are playing against the best team in the world. As a team, we will probably lean more to our strengths. I don’t think there’s going to be much change in how we normally play the game. If you look at the challenges we have faced so far this season, we have played the All Blacks – one of the best attacking teams in the world – twice and if you are not at your best in your systems and defence, they will punish you. It was the same in our first game against Scotland, who are one of the best attacking teams, and Ireland are similar. They are well organised in their systems. They are not just number one for nothing, they are doing something right.
"But in a World Cup, you get different challenges and you have to adapt. As Springboks we are good travellers. You can take us anywhere, we know how to adapt to conditions. We are so solution-driven, that is the strength of our team. I don’t think we are going to change much; we will focus on doing what we do best. It’s going to be a tough game but that is how we want it – we don’t want any easy games. I can tell you one thing – we will be prepared for this game."