What’s next for Ireland?
Following a 27-20 defeat in the opening Test at Loftus Versfeld, Ireland are preparing to face South Africa on the pitch once more. The match will take place at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, the 13th of July at 4pm.
A look back at the first Test
Ireland found themselves on the back foot in the early stages of the previous Test, as South Africa displayed an impressive new attack strategy under the expert guidance of coach Tony Brown. However, a standout try from Jamie Osborne, who was making his debut, kept Ireland in the game up until half-time.
In the second half, James Lowe’s attempt at a try was controversially rejected by the TMO, whilst an arguably contentious try by Cheslin Kolbe was given the go-ahead. Ireland’s attempts to rally with tries from Conor Murray and Ryan Baird fell short, and a late penalty try pushed South Africa over the line to victory.
Ireland’s injury woes
Ireland are fighting an uphill battle with injuries. Dan Sheehan is back in Ireland following a suspected ACL tear, and Craig Casey is ruled out due to a concussion. Robbie Henshaw’s return is uncertain as he’s completing return-to-play protocols, while Jamie Osborne, Bundee Aki and James Lowe will require late fitness assessments.
Ireland have drafted in Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak to substitute Sheehan and Casey. The team will be announced on Thursday.
South Africa standing firm
Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has selected an identical team and reserves for this weekend’s Test. This includes Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, who will become the most-capped centre pairing in South Africa’s history as they team up for the 30th time.
In South Africa, W Le Roux is at the helm, followed by C Kolbe, J Kriel, D de Allende, and K-L Arendse. H Pollard and F de Klerk join the team alongside O Nche, B Mbonambi, and F Malherbe. The team is strengthened with F Mostert and E Etzebeth, with S Kolisi in the role of captain and P Steph du Toit and K Smith filling in the ranks. Added reinforcements come in the form of M Marx, G Steenekamp, V Koch, RG Snyman, S Moerat, M van Staden, G Williams, and S Feinberg-Mngomezulu.