Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted on Saturday that although the Boks’ performance in their victory against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium was not perfect, they were pleased to break their 13-year winning drought in Dublin. 

Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx became the fourth South African to be crowned the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year on Saturday in a historic occasion for South African rugby, with two Boks winning the award back-to-back for the first time in history.

The Springboks finally laid the ghost of Dublin to rest, defeating Ireland for the first time in 13 years – the last victory coming way back in 2012.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Irish-born assistant coach Felix Jones said they have to be at their best against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Springbok lock Lood de Jager has lost his appeal against a four-match ban following a red card picked up in a 32-17 victory over France on 8 November. 

Decorated Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus appeared determined to set the record straight as he prepares to take his World Cup-winning team to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin — a venue where he admitted he has never won as a coach.

Towering lock RG Snyman will join the select group of players to earn 50 Test caps for South Africa when the Springboks run out at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland on Saturday, in a matchday squad that reflects only two personnel changes to the team that defeated France 32-17 two weeks ago.

Springbok winger Chelsin Kolbe has dismissed the idea that South Africa’s long-running drought against Ireland in Dublin – with South Africa last winning there in 2012 – is something weighing on the squad.

Springbok lock Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy has been rescinded by the Six Nations disciplinary committee.