Kearney expects a bruising Test
Friday, 27 November 2009 23:01Rob Kearney has warned South Africa that Ireland are ready to match them in the physicality stakes at Croke Park tomorrow.
The Springboks are famed for a muscular style which has earned them a ferocious reputation and plenty of silverware, including the 2007 World Cup and this year's Tri-Nations title.
But Lions full-back Kearney insists Ireland are ready to end the autumn by claiming a prized scalp.
He said: 'Certainly as players we don't physically underestimate ourselves.
'I don't think over the last year we've been shown up at the breakdown and maybe only against the All Blacks last year were we physically off the mark.
'But since then I don't think we've been shy in wanting to bring that physical aspect to our game.
'This week is going to be as physical as it is ever going to be for us. If we don't bring that physical aspect to our game we are going to be in for an awakening.
'Slow down their ball and quicken up our ball. It's just a simple basic of rugby.'
South Africa have turned to their first-choice front row as they seek to end their European tour on a winning note.
Skipper John Smit has been restored at hooker after his scrummaging as a tighthead was exposed by France and Italy and he is joined in the front row by props Tendai Mtawarira and BJ Botha.
Wian du Preez and Adriaan Strauss make way for Mtawarira and Botha, who plays for Ulster, while Victor Matfield replaces Andries Bekker at lock.
Schalk Burger - who received an eight-week ban for eye-gouging Ireland winger Luke Fitzgerald during the Lions tour this summer - returns at openside flanker with Danie Rossouw switching to number eight.
The only change to the back line sees Wynand Olivier starting at inside centre in place of Adrian Jacobs.
As well as Botha, two other Irish-based players, Munster centre Jean de Villiers and Leinster prop CJ van der Linde, are also in the Springboks squad.
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