Coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes Ireland can become the first nation to win a series in South Africa since 1996.
The squad arrived in Cape Town on Sunday at the start of a two-test series for which they have been made favorites. The winners of the Triple Crown are ranked fifth in the world by the International Rugby Board, with the Springboks sixth.
"We are not coming here to make up the numbers," O'Sullivan said. "If we perform well it's a real chance but it's a question of whether we can deliver the performance.
"What the rankings say is that we are not far off the top four or five rugby nations in the world and that's something for us to take a lot of credit out of. We have worked very hard to put ourselves in that position."
New Zealand were the last side to win a series in South Africa, triumphing for the first time in the Republic in 1996. The composite British and Irish Lions also won in 1997.
No northern hemisphere side has won a series in South Africa since 1993 when France drew the first test and won the second.
The first test is in Bloemfontein on Saturday with the second in Cape Town a week later.
Meanwhile, new Springbok coach Jake White brought in three new caps yesterday in his starting lineup announced for the first Test on Saturday at Vodacom Park.
Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, winger Henno Mentz and tighthead prop forward Eddie Andrews all get their chances in the first of South Africa's tests since a disastrous 2003 World Cup campaign, and a series of boardroom struggles which decimated the ranks of the national administration of the game.
White has also recalled veteran loosehead prop Os du Randt, one of the stars of South Africa's 1995 World Cup victory. Du Randt retired prematurely, and has spent the last two seasons getting back into shape.
A good Super 12 saw him rewarded, and he brings invaluable experience to a side captained by hooker John Smit which might otherwise be regarded as lightweight.
Also earning a recall is the talented Gaffie du Toit. The utility backline player had a good Super 12 season at fullback and flyhalf, and impressed in the Springboks' warm-up match last week against a Central Unions team.
He had a nightmare -- and very brief -- tenure under the tough-talking coach Nick Mallett, and has struggled to regain consistency and confidence ever since.
Du Toit is in for the injured Percy Montgomery, whose broken hand is just one of White's injury woes.
In addition to the loss of star winger Ashwin Willemse, who damaged knee ligaments in the warm-up match, White has also had to see loose forward Joe van Niekerk leave his training camp with a groin injury.
To compound the problems, center De Wet Barry limped off with an ankle injury during training yesterday.
Also, on the reserves bench, CJ van der Linde has been listed as cover for Faan Rautenbach. Rautenbach has yet to demonstrate he is fully fit after missing the latter half of the Super 12.
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