O'Driscoll wary of Boks

Ireland skipper fears Springbok backlash

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 26th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Driscoll wary of Boks

O'Driscoll: Fearing backlash

They lost to France - boo hoo! They won't be crying about it, they'll be looking to put it right against us in the last game of what's been a great season for them

Brian O'Driscoll
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Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has rubbished suggestions that South Africa are a team in decline ahead of their Croke Park clash.

The Springboks have been replaced by New Zealand at the top of the world rankings after slumping to defeats against France, Leicester and Saracens on their European tour and only managing a solitary win against Italy.

South Africa's disappointing autumn series is a far cry from the notable success they experienced earlier in the year, edging the Lions across three riveting Tests and securing their first Tri-Nations title since 2004.

Upset

For an on-form Ireland boosted by their Grand Slam triumph, the upcoming Test could be a rare opportunity to upset the injury-ravaged Springboks, but Lions and Leinster centre O'Driscoll insists South Africa will be determined to end their season on a high.

"No, South Africa are not a team in decline," said O'Driscoll. "That's just sections of the media trying to wind the South Africans up a little bit, but it's not doing us any favours!

"They're the reigning world champions, have beaten the Lions and won the Tri-Nations.

"They lost to France - boo hoo! They won't be crying about it, they'll be looking to put it right against us in the last game of what's been a great season for them.

"If we get the upper hand we'll say we've beaten a very strong South African team."

Animosity

The contest has also attracted attention due to rumours of animosity between the Lions and Springboks this summer, with nine of the Lions set to feature for Ireland at Croke Park.

However, both teams have scoffed at suggestions of a grudge match and O'Driscoll is adamant there is no bad blood between the sides.

"Is there animosity? No," said O'Driscoll, who will earn his 96th cap on Saturday.

"I'm sure we'll see a competitive edge as we always do when we face South Africa but there will certainly be no leftovers from the tour.

"That's done and dusted and is behind us. We move on and look to the next big game and that's South Africa.

"What a huge challenge it is to play the reigning world and Tri-Nations champions at Croke Park for the first time. It will be a special occasion."