Boks seek to end Dublin hoodoo against Ireland

THE Springboks will return to Dublin this weekend chasing a victory that has eluded them for more than a decade.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

WINGER Cheslin Kolbe's attacking play and ability under the high kicks will be important for the Springboks in their clash with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

(AFP)

South Africa last beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2012, and Saturday’s clash (7.40pm kickoff) offers the world champions a chance to end a 13-year wait for success in the Irish capital.

They came agonisingly close on their previous visit in 2022, falling 19-16 in a bruising Test that still sticks with Bok winger Cheslin Kolbe.

Clashes between Ireland and the world champions have been tight contests in recent years, and Kolbe admits that the Boks’ inability to grab key moments during encounters proved costly.

“We came close in 2022, but we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal, and that definitely cost us,” Kolbe said about that encounter.

“They, on the other hand, capitalise on their opportunities really well, especially over the last few years.