Caelan Doris challenges Ireland to love the adversity Springboks will bring

Ireland's Caelan Doris arrives for a team run at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris has urged his players to embrace the adversity that will come with playing the Springboks in a Test to decide whether the November window has been a success.

Rassie Erasmus brings a primed South African team to Dublin for Saturday’s encounter on the back of their retention of the Rugby Championship and three wins from three in Europe’s so far.

Doris and Ireland know the threats they bring but won’t be fixating on the opposition before the 5.40pm kickoff at the Aviva Stadium.

“There's always getting the balance right between focusing on ourselves, fixing a few things there, but also being fully aware of the threats they are going to bring and how we prepare for them.

"Yeah, they're pretty comprehensive in how they play the game. Their DNA is up front, setpiece, maul, strong scrum, good discipline, winning the momentum and gainline battle.

"With Tony Brown coming in they have added being able to play wide and deep, very strong on transitions, they kick the ball a lot, they can be very dangerous on turnover ball.

"So, yeah, [it’s about] being mentally sharp and focused for the full 80 minutes and don't give them anything.” 

The margins between these two have been mostly minuscule in recent times, even with Ireland coming out the better more often than not.

The 2022 meeting in Dublin was won by the hosts with three points to spare, the World Cup epic in Paris a year later by five, and it took a Ciaran Frawley drop goal to squeak a win in Durban two summers ago.

Even the one Bok win in the last four was a one-score game.

There will come a time when the world champions have the upper hand. There always is. The key for an Ireland side still looking for top gear will be to stick in there through the toughest times and emerge with the contest still within their grasp.

“It is something we've spoken about not just this week but over the last number of years, about the adversity, we were aware that they're going to have momentum at times in the game.

"Decisions are going to go with them, their way, at times, it is about loving the adversity, trying to get the momentum with us, being aware.” 

Doris didn’t dress it up. The success of this wider November chapter “hinges” on the team’s performance against the world’s best this weekend. This, he said, is the real test.

The term ‘grudge match’ has been played down by the visitors but Doris wasn't denying that this is one of rugby’s most hotly-contested matchups.

"Yeah, there's definitely a rivalry there. There's a strong understanding of how we both want to play the game.

“We've had some good results. They've beaten us over there as well in 2024. Yeah, there's a lot on the line tomorrow, that's the feeling anyway, and lads are very excited about it."