Jean de Villiers has been called into the Bok squad after Adi Jacobs failed a fitness test and was sent back home.

While the rugby media in Dublin are describing Saturday’s test as a “revenge match” and the “clash of the best of the North and South”, the South Africans are refusing to get drawn into the hype.

The Springboks have delayed until Thursday the naming of the squad of 22 that will face Ireland at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday.

Self-confidence is a huge ally, but it can also be an enemy if not utilised correctly.
Take the Springbok team who beat Italy 32-10 at the Stadio Fruili on Saturday for example.

Hands up anyone who still thinks John Smit is an international class tighthead?
Hands up anyone who does not think John Smit should be the starting Bok hooker?
Hope there were no sweaty armpits visible!

FIRES OF ANIMOSITY STOKED
The Springboks’ flight from Venice into Dublin was a bumpy experience due to the foul weather over Ireland and Britain, but it was a smooth ride compared to the welcome the tourists can expect this week.

In this beautiful renaissance town the Springboks revived their ailing tour yesterday with a timely display of controlled power. They halted a run of three defeats with their best performance of the short campaign.

Surely it will not happen. Surely Italy will not beat the team regularly labelled “the best team in the world”. And yet who is so sure?

“TOUR SELECTIONS WERE ABYSMAL.”
There has been a lot of heat on the front-row forwards during the first weeks of the Springbok overseas tour, and the focus will continue into Saturday’s clash with Italy in Udine, but maybe the examination of where it goes wrong needs to go beyond the hookers and props.

Springbok captain John Smit on Friday praised Alain Rolland, who will officiate the Test between Italy and South Africa after a week of South African criticism of referees.
“There are not many short, round, fat guys [props] who end up becoming international referees, so there will always be some grey areas at the scrum.”
[...]

The French sent out the same message as the British Lions and the Wallabies proved in Brisbane: If the opposition are able to front them physically, then the South Africans become extremely mortal and ordinary.

Frustrated All Blacks rugby captain Richie McCaw has demanded his side finally nail England on Sunday as they seek the top-drawer performance which has eluded them on tour.

Four changes, including a Test debut for Cheetahs prop Wian du Preez, are the hallmark of the Springbok team that will face Italy in Udine on Saturday.

Try everything and keep what is good.

World Cup winner BJ Botha has become the second Ireland-based prop to be recalled to the Springbok team, as injuries continue to cut a swathe through the winless South African touring team in Europe.