Ireland

Kearney – Ireland up for physical war

Friday, November 27 Fullback Rob Kearney is confident that Ireland will match the Boks physically in their clash at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Springboks are known for their direct, physical approach with Tests against the world champions considered the toughest physical challenge in the game.

Kearney got a taste of the Boks’ physicality earlier in the year when he toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions. However, with the Boks looking jaded after a uniquely demanding season draws to a close, they were tamed and outmuscled by France a fortnight ago – a feat the Six Nations Grand Slam champions will look to emulate on Saturday.

The Springboks have named their strongest front row of their end-of-year tour with captain John Smit returning to hooker and Tendai Mtawarira and BJ Botha selected at loosehead and tighthead respectively.

The Boks have further been boosted by the return of warhorse Schalk Burger, who along with enforcer Bakkies Botha brings a freakish level of physicality to the table. Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has also employed big Bulls utility forward Danie Rossouw at No 8 in place of the fleet footed Ryan Kankowski, indicating that the Tri Nations winners plan to keep things tight in the testing conditions.

Kearney, however, believes the Irish will hold their own in the physicality stakes on Saturday.

“Certainly as players we don't physically underestimate ourselves," Kearney said.

"I don't think over the last year we've been shown up at the breakdown and maybe only against the All Blacks last year were we physically off the mark.

"But since then I don't think we've been shy in wanting to bring that physical aspect to our game.

"This week is going to be as physical as it is ever going to be for us.

"If we don't bring that physical aspect to our game we are going to be in for an awakening.

"Slow down their ball and quicken up our ball. It's just a simple basic of rugby."

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