Mtawarira full of praise for Furlong

Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira has sung the praises of Ireland counterpart Tadhg Furlong ahead of their clash in Dublin on Saturday.

Mtawarira, who will earn his 96th cap for the Springboks, said he is keen to lock horns with Furlong.

The 24-year-old has played in 19 Tests for Ireland but his performances in three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand earlier this year impressed Mtawarira.

“Going up against Furlong, I watched him in the Lions series. He did very well. I have got huge respect for him,” Mtawarira told the Irish Independent.

Mtawarira feels that Furlong is the best player in his position in the northern hemisphere.

“He’s a great tighthead,” he added.

“He has obviously made his mark as the best tighthead up north. I am looking forward to the challenge on Saturday. First and foremost, he is solid at set-piece, he also gets around the park, gets through some work. In that respect, he is definitely the best.”