South Africa’s Pool B clash with world number one side Ireland is as big as it gets according to captain Siya Kolisi, while coach Jacques Nienaber knew their 7-1 bench "innovation" would get a negative response.
Ireland are on a run of 15 straight victories and beat the Springboks 19-16 when they met in Dublin in November, with this battle likely to decide the top team in the group.
"We took a lot from the last match we played against them," Kolisi told reporters on Thursday ahead of Saturday's match in Paris. "And both teams are playing well, so this is a good time to face them.
"We want to play nice, competitive rugby and I believe the match will be tough and played in a good spirit. This is as big as it gets."
The breakdown battle and discipline are two areas Kolisi and Nienaber believe will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the contest.
"The breakdowns are going to be big. They have a lot of players who are effective in that department and I think that will have a big influence on the game," the Springbok's skipper said.
Nienaber added: "If you concede penalties against a team like Ireland they’ll either get territory or points, so they’ll put us under pressure. We must be disciplined to get the right result."
The @Springboks lineup to take on Ireland has landed ?#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/elHRyN4pIu
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 19, 2023
The Boks raised eyebrows when they selected seven forwards on the bench, which has promoted an outcry from some pundits as being against the spirit of the game.
The decision is an attempt to make the Sprinkboks effective in the forwards, especially at the breakdown and with quick ruck ball, for the full 80 minutes.
"Innovation in any sport will trigger a reaction," Nienaber said. "This is the first time it’s been done in rugby and that will come with a positive and negative reaction, but nothing is stopping other teams from doing it.
"It would be a sad day if innovation is stopped, especially when it is within the laws."
Both teams were comfortable winners in their opening two games in the pool and are expected to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will likely face hosts France or New Zealand in a stacked side of the draw. -Reuters
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