Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed his excitement to be back in South Africa for their biggest test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup win. They face Ireland in Pretoria for the first of a three-match series on Saturday (17:00).

This homecoming is especially significant after their double World Cup victory. “Playing for our people is very special,” said Kolisi. “This group hasn’t faced Ireland since 2016, and it’s our first home game against them, so we’re eager.”

Kolisi anticipates a tough battle against the world’s number two team. He pinpointed breakdowns as a crucial area, acknowledging Ireland’s strength in that aspect. “We must be sharp, get to breakdowns quickly, and make good decisions,” he emphasized.

Kolisi, recently re-appointed captain, acknowledged the honor but stressed the importance of teamwork. “It’s not about the captaincy; what matters is what happens on the field,” he said.

He spoke highly of the new coaching staff and the team’s mentality. “There’s always something new to learn, and the level of detail is incredible,” he said.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick reflected on the 2019 World Cup loss to Ireland (13-8). “It motivates us,” he admitted. “We learned tough lessons from that game, but it also brought us together.”

While acknowledging past mistakes, Stick emphasized the importance of focusing on the present. “We get a limited number of chances against a quality team like Ireland, and we must capitalize on them,” he concluded.