World Cup champions concede ‘we will have to be on par’ as ‘two-test series promises to be massive’
and Ireland that kicks off next Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. And according to Percy Montgomery, the most-capped Springbok fullback of all time, this indicates that we are in for a cracker of a series.’s players were arrogant in the aftermath of their 13-8 win against the eventual champions, South Africa, during the pool stage of last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Thus, even though Siya Kolisi and co were crowned back-to-back World Cup champions in France last year, another series defeat at the hands of Andy Farrell’s team may take some of the gloss off their winners’ medals.does add pressure, as everyone wants to beat the champs,” Montgomery agrees. “It won’t be easy for the Boks. The Irish are technically correct in all departments; they have upped their game, especially around the rucks and in midfield.
“Some people do feel that Ireland, as well as Leinster, might be a bit arrogant. Back when I played, if we won the toss we’d do a lap of honour, that’s how bad we were. Robbie was on the losing side in but one of his 10 tests for Ireland from 1976 to 1981. “Ireland have done exceptionally well the past few years, except for the World Cup. And they have had the Boks’ number since 2016. To be fair, the 38-3 result in 2017 was ridiculous. The Bok coach at the time, Allister Coetzee, was under huge pressure and, as a group, the confidence was low. Individually, quite a number of the Boks involved in that catastrophe may have a point to prove. Not too many of the current crop of players have tasted victory against the Irish.
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