Ireland beware as Heyneke Meyer sends ominous warning

Not that Ireland were under any illusions about the size of the challenge they will face during their three-Test tour to South Africa next summer, but the bid to land a first win there seems to have become even more difficult.

The return of top-level touring to the world rugby calendar will see Joe Schmidt’s double Six Nations champions go into the lions’ den next June when they visit a Springbok side sure to still be wounded after Saturday’s narrow World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand at Twickenham.

Wounded but not dispirited. Far from it. Head coach Heyneke Meyer may be unsure about his future after four years in the green and gold blazer, but he is certain that the young players he has helped nurture in the Test arena have the potential to become world beaters before too long.