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.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and