Age just a number for Rassie's grizzled veterans

Eight of South Africa’s XV was aged 30 or over when they lined out against France in Paris two weeks ago.

Cheslin Kolbe: ‘If you can do the job on the field and you can do that consistently throughout a national period, then... age is not a factor.’ Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Age, said Andy Farrell, is irrelevant when asked about an Ireland squad with an age profile that has made some uncomfortable. That was last month. On Saturday he will engage with a man who lives and breathes those words.

Rassie Erasmus leaned on the experience of 19 thirtysomethings at the World Cup in France two years ago. That was in a squad of 33. The four oldest — Duane Vermeuelen, Deon Fourie, Willie le Roux, and Trevor Nyakane — all featured in the final.