Robbie Henshaw preparing for ‘proper test’ against ‘proud’ Springboks and expects another ‘thriller’
Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw in action against the Springboks and during a training session (inset).
Experienced Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw is looking forward to what he described as a “proper test” for his team when they host the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday.
That description was in terms of assessing Ireland’s development after they made a poor start to their Autumn Nations Series, which saw them suffering a 26-13 defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago in their campaign opener.
The men from the Emerald Isle followed that up with an underwhelming performance against Japan at the Aviva Stadium before a strong finish secured them a 41-10 triumph.
In their next match, Andy Farrell’s charges hit their straps as they delivered a superb all-round display en route to a deserved 46-19 triumph over the Wallabies in Dublin.
And now Ireland face their toughest assignment yet against World Rugby’s number one-ranked team, the Springboks, who will be in a confident mood as they have shown good form to register superb victories over Japan (61-7), France (32-17) and Italy (32-14) during their Autumn Nations Series campaign so far.
Ireland in good form against the Springboks
Despite that impressive record, Ireland will fancy their chances of beating the world champions as they have held the upper hand in this fixture in recent years, winning six of the last 10 matches.
Farrell’s side won the last match between these nations, in Durban in 2024, which secured them a famous 1-1 series draw in South Africa and the Boks last beat them in Dublin in 2012.
And Henshaw hopes his side can continue where they left off in last weekend’s victory over the Wallabies.
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“I think they’re the talk of world rugby at the moment in terms of the strength in depth they have, the individual talent,” said the 32-year-old.
“They’re grinding out results… teams looks like they have them and then they find a way to get back.
“It’s a proper test for us to see where we’re at. We have gone toe-to-toe with them, from summer last year it was one win each in that series, so I suppose they’ll be looking at that as well.
‘They’re such a proud nation’
“It’s massively exciting because they’re such a proud nation as well and, you know, when we play against them here in Dublin, it’s always a thriller.”
And Henshaw is confident Ireland will be able to end their Autumn Nations Series campaign on a high, and highlighted what they have to do to achieve that goal.
“I think [against Australia] we conceded quite easily in the first half in that second 20 minutes when they got a roll on,” he added.
“So, with what’s coming, it’s more of that up-front physicality and big men running down our channels.
“I think we just need to meet them on the gainline and front up, and that’s a thing we’d have to look at, our physicality in around fringes and stopping the momentum of teams.”