Ireland ready for acid test

WITH Irish rugby’s finest already safely ensconced in base camp in picturesque Cape Town, thoughts of an historic first test victory on South African soil are closer to reality than ever before.

When Ireland last toured the home of the Springboks in 1998, South Africa possessed the best side in world rugby. They were in the middle of an unbeaten record 17-match test run and had the necessary mix of pace, power and aggression to dominate all comers.

When one adds the traditional arrogance that typifies the Afrikaner, they were an awesome side. Much has changed in the intervening period.