Ireland's head coach Scott Bemand says his squad is primed for a "second ascent" as they chase a series triumph over mighty South Africa.
South Africa's Springboks are about to face one of the toughest tests in world rugby: an Ireland side convinced it can topple the African powerhouse in a series. Head coach Scott Bemand has made clear his squad believes the summit is within reach.
Bemand framed the challenge as a "second ascent," a nod to the idea that Ireland have already climbed hard to get where they are, and that the next climb is steeper still. His message was one of belief rather than bravado: the quality, the character and the hunger are already in the group.
It is easy to see why a series win over the Springboks would count as historic. South Africa pair brutal set-piece power with a physical edge that has made them a nightmare opponent for every top nation, and beating them over multiple matches demands consistency as much as brilliance. One big performance will not be enough. Ireland need to stay sharp from first whistle to last across the whole series.
For the Springboks and their supporters across Africa, this is a stage that demands a response. Ireland have made their intentions public. Now it comes down to who handles the pressure, the collisions and the big moments best.
