Ireland ready to answer Springbok criticism
Ireland ran out at Lansdowne Road this afternoon with the unflattering remarks of Springbok coach Jake White ringing in their ears.
White followed up the verbal assault he made on Irish rugby in June by declaring earlier this week that only three of the Triple Crown winners’ line-up would merit a place in his squad – adding spice to an already tasty encounter.
Ireland have only beaten South Africa once in 16 attempts, but thanks to White’s inflammatory comments they were given all the inspiration they needed to add to that tally in one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the autumn Tests.
Denis Hickie made his international comeback on Ireland’s left wing after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the World Cup 12 months ago, and Shane Horgan started at inside centre to plug the gap left by Gordon D’Arcy’s groin injury.
But the key selection for coach Eddie O’Sullivan was his preference of Test debutant Jonny O’Connor over Eric Miller at openside, and the outcome of the Wasps flanker’s battle with the irrepressible Schalk Burger was eagerly awaited.
Springbok fly-half Jaco van der Westhuyzen took his place at fly-half after overcoming the finger injury he sustained against Wales last Saturday, while winger Breyton Paulse led out the side after becoming the first black player in South African rugby history to win 50 caps.
