KOLBE CALLS ON BOKS TO BREAK THEIR...

THE fact that they last beat Ireland in a Test match in 2012 is not smokkeling met die koppe of the Springboks, according to  wing Cheslin Kolbe.

South Africa tackle die Iere at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 7.40pm, where they lost their last three encounters with the home span.

In 2014, Heyneke Meyer’s Bok team fell 29-15 to a then-Joe Schmidt-coached Ireland and in 2016 Schmidt was also in charge as the home team secured a record 38-3 win over Allister Coetzee’s side.

In 2022, coach Jacques Nienaber’s Bokke came close but eventually lost out 19-16 to current Iere baas Andy Farrell.

Kolbe was part of that 2022 team that was unlucky to lose in Dublin, but the ex-Stormers flyer said they will not be digging ou koeie uit die sloot uit ahead of this weekend’s clash.

He said: “It is not something we have been thinking about, but ja, we know we definitely have not won here since 2012, if I am not mistaken.”

One thing that Kolbe and the Boks are well aware of is that klapping Ireland will not be an easy task. 

He added: “Whether we have played each other in South Africa, over here or on a neutral ground, it has always been a bit of a 50/50 contest.

“SA v Ireland is always a massive game, and I expect it is going to be as physical as you can get.”

But of coming close in 2022 and making sure they get the win this time around, he added: “I have not won here [at the Aviva with the Boks], and whatever team you play for, especially for the Springboks you will obviously love to win…  

“We came close in 2022, but we did not capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal that definitely cost us.

“It will be massive for the team and our growth if we can pull this one off.”

Kolbe is tipped to start on the right wing when coach Rassie Erasmus names his matchday squad on Thursday.