South Africa eye end to long wait for win in Ireland as Cheslin Kolbe relishes 'massive' game

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Ireland meet world champions South Africa in the Quilter Nations Series this weekend. South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe says the game is "massive" against a "quality" Ireland team, as he eyes a first victory for the Springboks in Dublin since 2012. Live coverage of the match - along with all the action from the Quilter Nations Series - is on TNT Sports and discovery+.

'As physical as it can get' - Kolbe excited for 'massive' game against Ireland

Video credit: TNT Sports

Cheslin Kolbe says South Africa want to end their losing run against Ireland in Dublin, in what he calls a "massive" clash this weekend.

The world champions will take on Ireland on Saturday in a Quilter Nations Series encounter, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The Springboks haven't won a Test in Dublin since 2012, despite famous World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023.

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"It's always massive when Ireland and Springboks play each other for the last few years, whether it's in South Africa, or in Ireland or at a neutral ground," Kolbe said.

"Obviously the spectators and media are making a big thing of it, but we respect each and every team we play, and we make sure we can prepare ourselves as well as we can throughout the week, so we're confident enough to go out on weekends.

"It's definitely going to be a massive one. It's going to be as physical as it can get I guess.

Cheslin Kolbe scores a try against New Zealand in September

Image credit: Getty Images

"Every Test match we love to win, we haven't won here since 2012, not that that's our focus, but it would definitely be a good one to get after such a long period of time.

"It's a good quality team that we're playing, a team that has shown a lot of versatility in the way they play.

"You give credit to them but we will just focus on what we need to do throughout the week and obviously know what they can throw at us."

Asked how they can beat Ireland, South Africa winger Kolbe added: "I think discipline is going to be the key, especially in such a big Test match, just whoever is more hungry, the one that is willing to chase the lost causes is going to pull through. It's an exciting game and one we're looking forward to."

South Africa have won all three of their matches in the Quilter Nations Series so far. They easily beat Japan 61-7, battled to see off France 32-17 and then claimed a 32-14 win over Italy last weekend.

Ireland defence coach Simon Easterby admits there is some "spice" going into this weekend's eagerly awaited match.

"There's plenty of rivalry and they've clearly been a brilliant team across a number of years," Easterby said.

"It's a healthy rivalry and I think it's one that adds a bit of spice to the weekend, but our focus is making sure we deliver what we've set out to deliver over the past four weeks.

"I guess that hasn't always been the case, but this week gives us the opportunity to finish in a positive sense."

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Watch the Quilter Nations Series 2025 - including Ireland v South Africa - live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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