Springboks vs Ireland: 'South Africa has nothing to prove' - English rugby media
The hype around the clash between the world’s two best rugby teams is reaching fever pitch.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Tim Cocker, host of the popular YouTube channel 'Eggchasers Rugby'.
From trash talking to Cheslin Kolbe's 'excited' feels ahead of the game tomorrow; 'Ireland vs South Africa' is considered a long-awaited 'grudge match'. The world's top two rugby teams will face each other at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday (6 July) for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
What's anticipated to be an 'epic battle' between teams who have 'unfinished business', number-one ranked South Africa has nothing to prove as back-to-back world champs, says Cocker.
Rugby is like a religion in South Africa, says Cocker, who describes the fans as intensely patriotic.
After visiting South Africa, Cocker says he understands why South Africa is back-to-back champs. However, he says Mzansi shouldn't underestimate Ireland because 'they will not be intimidated or take backward steps'.
"It has blown my mind, the quality and quantity of talent you have here. It makes sense why you're back-to-back champions. You've got loads of players in other national teams and that's why other domestic teams are filled with amazing South African players."
- Tim Cocker, Eggchasers Rugby
Scroll up to listen to the interview.