Bashed by Springbok behemoths, now Pumas ready to pounce

AT least we were spared the usual platitudes that opposing international coaches have heaped on successive Irish teams over the years, praising our passion and commitment in defeat.

South African coach Heyneke Meyer put Ireland’s four-point defeat to the second-ranked side in the world into context when he declared that the South African display was “the worst he has ever seen and not worthy of the Springbok jersey”. So what does that say about us?

Forced to play without half of your first choice pack, South Africa are just about the last team in the world you would want to play. Despite their well publicised defections up front, the simple fact is that they have truck loads of gargantuan forwards scattered around the country who are always capable inflicting untold physical damage.