Bernard Jackman says Ireland's tour of South Africa could "turn nasty" unless Andy Farrell’s side are able to muster high-octane performances at the end of a draining season.
The world champions host an Ireland side that have come out on top in each of the last three fixtures between the sides, most recently in the pool stage of the 2023 World Cup.
Yet it was the Springboks that claimed ultimate honours, and now they have an Irish side in their sights on the back of a 13-month season that ended in Champions Cup final failure for Leinster, while they, along with Munster, fell short at the penultimate stage in the URC.
Rassie Eramus has already begun the mind games ahead of the opening Test on Saturday in Pretoria, and has named a formidable side, just four changes from the XV that started against Ireland at the World Cup.
'We are running into an ambush that could nasty if we are not careful' - @bernardjackman on what might lie ahead for @IrishRugby against South Africa #rtesport pic.twitter.com/LI6W55s5GD
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 3, 2024
The strength of the hosts, coupled with home support has Jackman fearing that it might be a step too far for Farrell’s men at this stage of a demanding season.
"One of the most interesting things is that this game is absolutely massive for them," he told the RTÉ Rugby podcast. "After they won the 2019 World Cup, they didn’t get a chance to play in front of their home fans because of Covid.
"When you look at that squad, there are a lot of the main actors that were involved in the win at Paris.
"I have a sinking feeling or a fear we are running on empty a little bit. We could be running into an ambush, which could turn nasty if we’re not careful."
Since that World Cup success, both Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende have spiced things up with soundbites regarding Ireland, the towering lock suggesting a complacent approach from Ireland during the World Cup, with the former Munster centre accusing the Irish media of disrespect.
Both men have taken their cue from the outspoken Erasmus, and Jackman says the panto villain role he performs for South Africa works well for the team’s needs.
"It’s brilliant," he says of what Erasmus brings to the game. "I always enjoy him. I enjoyed him when he was at Munster as well.
"He’s a mischievous man, a lot of charisma. He does it well, better than most others. There is a humorous angle to it.
"It also seems to work for his team. They love the hype, that idea of having a bit of a chip on their shoulder."
Also speaking on the podcast was former Munster out-half Jonny Holland, who like Jackman, is wary of the daunting challenge facing the visitors.
"He’s (Erasmus) very comfortable in his own skin," he said. "South Africans know what they are, their identity is very strong.
"The Irish identity is strong as well, but from what I gather, the Irish media and public, we’re not sure where we are going with the tour at the moment.
"We don’t know if we are going strong, and I don’t think you can go to South Africa and experiment.
"We talk about developing players, but he [Erasmus] absolutely is not [treating it like that]."
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