Simon Zebo: Ireland must counteract Springbok emphasis on opening exchanges

A slow start is a misstep that Rassie’s ‘Boks will feed off.

FAST START ESSENTIAL: Simon Zebo teamed up with BoyleSports to preview this weekend's RWC match between Ireland & South Africa. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

A good start is half the battle, as they say.

The first of Ireland’s two Rugby World Cup jousts began on the worst note possible, conceding within minutes of referee Nika Amashukeli's whistle against Romania.