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Caelan Doris admits to initially being shocked by the sheer size of the South Africa team but insists facing the fearsome might of the so-called ‘Bomb Squad’ will not significantly alter Ireland’s game plan.
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Back-rower Doris will take on the Springboks for only the second time in his career in Saturday evening’s crunch Rugby World Cup showdown in Paris.
The 25-year-old helped Ireland register a 19-16 win over the reigning world champions in November following a bruising Dublin encounter in which he was taken aback by the hefty bulk of the opposition.
The Springboks will again look to impose brute strength on Andy Farrell’s men after naming a seven-one split of forwards and backs on their bench for this weekend’s pivotal Pool B clash at Stade de France.
Asked what distinguishes South Africa from other sides, Doris replied: “Physicality is the word that comes to mind.
“I remember being shocked at just the sheer size of them, playing them in November.
“They kind of do a six-two or even seven-one sometimes off the bench and have massive reinforcements coming off the bench as well.
“But it’s definitely not the only string to their bow. They’ve got a lot of pace in their backs and their forwards are capable of keeping the ball alive and offloading.
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“Obviously the physicality is tied into their set-piece, they’ve got a great maul, great lineout options as well, a very strong lineout and scrum as well, so getting those areas right is going to be big.”
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, who was then head coach, adopted the stacked bench tactic during his side’s run to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019.
Doris insists Ireland will not be deviating from the approach which has brought 15 successive Test wins.
“It doesn’t actually change too much,” he said.
“We talk about delivering an 80-minute performance regardless of who we are playing and knowing that some teams target the last 20 minutes.
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“We also speak of our bench coming on and not just fitting in but actually taking it up a level. That will be important for us this weekend.”
Ireland, who have topped the Test rankings for more than a year, can seal progression to the World Cup quarter-finals with success in the French capital.
Doris feels better equipped to deal with the pressures of performing in front of a capacity Stade de France crowd than during last year’s Six Nations when Farrell’s men suffered a 30-24 loss to France.
“There’s so much belief amongst this group and there’s belief that we can still get a lot better,” he said.
“Delivering that in such a big game in Paris in front of 80,000 people – hopefully there will be a lot of Irish there – is just about constantly getting better as a group and believing that we can improve quite a bit.
“We are always striving for the perfect performance.”
Referring to the 2022 defeat to Les Bleus, he continued: “From the warm-up there was a palpable intensity in the atmosphere from the French in particular, drums banging and stuff like that.
“Having experienced it once, it is an easier thing to visualise and be aware of. It will be a little bit less of a shock for me.”
Probably the best game of the tournament so far looking forward to seeing who wins all the battles. One things for sure it will not disappoint Dave j
The famed SA arrogance is on full display in these comments. Not a supporter of either country but the arrogance overload of one lot of supporters never ceases to amaze me. One would think given their countries actual history they’d have learnt to be a little more humble. Sadly not.
I think this is the end of the road for Ireland, a year ago I would have called an Irish victory... but tomorrow I think they're in for a hiding.
Oh Craig. I’d probably go for a name change or just leave the rugby talk to people who understand it.
Whoops to that Craig!
Wonderful call, now please keep quite for the next 3 weeks
The "so called bomb squad"... I sense a bit of arrogance in the tone of this article, I find it fascinating that the British and Irish always have a lot to say before a big clash, why not reserve the arrogance for the post match review. Ireland haven't really had a big game in a while... looking well drilled against Tonga is a lot different to looking completely dominant against the All Blacks. Practice a bit of humility, it's not like you're about to face the Netherlands' rugby side. The Irish are about to run into a brick wall so being cocky so early on is probably not in their best interest.
I really don't understand this comment. Where is the arrogance?
It was the journalist of the piece who used the phrase "the so called bomb squad" not Doris. And why should opponents use the Springbok's language like "bomb squad" anyway? Guess what? Ireland have a bench too.
What did Doris actually say?
"I remember being shocked at just the sheer size of them, playing them in November."
"the physicality is tied into their set-piece, they’ve got a great maul, great lineout options as well, a very strong lineout and scrum as well, so getting those areas right is going to be big.”
How is this arrogant?
Frankly, if anything, it is South Africa fans who are arrogant going in to this clash. It's almost like because they thrashed New Zealand in a warm up game they think they have already won the world cup and the games are just a formality or something.
Every single Irish supporter I have spoken to is very nervous about this game tomorrow. And excited too! And frankly every South African rugby fan should be nervous too. Ireland are not just showing up to make up the numbers tomorrow.
I guess South Africa may be slight favorites. Maybe it is 60/40. But given that Ireland have won 7 of 11 games against SA going back 20 years, I am mystified at those Springbok fans who are just assuming they will go and beat up Ireland tomorrow.
Time will tell. It should be an epic clash anyway. A game for the ages hopefully. And we can all hope for 15 against 15 with no yellow or red cards.
I feel if porter puts in a big shift we’ll win the scrum battle. I think Aki will run them into the ground. Our physicality and fitness is more balanced than the Boks. Cmon Ireland 🇮🇪
This issue of size is odd. Ox is 5ft 8", Bongi is 5ft 9", Trevor is 5ft 10", Kwagga is a little fella etc... so, what daunting size are they referring to? They are physical, intense and skilled.
It’s the 7 other forwards over 2m I think.
Tony I have been following the Irish team for many decades and it is one of my favourite teams. And no I dont think there will be any player on the field that will be afraid of anything. However I feel sorry for Ireland in the second half. They can only be rescued by the referee and Springbok injury. And then of course if they lose Johny and Furlough they will be slaughtered. 😀
If you guys lose DLD and Kolbe you boys are in BIG trouble too 😂… Referee just needs to do job and stop any cynical play by the Boks. Guaranteed they’ll give away at least 3 yellows for high/reckless tackles. Easy picking for the boys in green after that 😉
It’s gonna be funny watching South Africa fall flat on their faces. Ireland should win by at least 10 points.
And if the Irish lose? This is not a bad Springbok team.
Interesting view... that you haven't really substantiated with any facts or reason... just cos? 🤣 🤣
You funny! Don’t forget to come back here on Sunday and blame someone
Keep the ball away from them, play it in the backs and run the bok forwards off their feet
Check phase play. Three four defensive rucks and the Bokke turn the ball over. So Ireland need to retain ball or their backs will mean 0. The Bokke also have a running game which they can switch up with forward play like flicking a switch. That is not to say that Ireland can't turn it on. The question is will they get the opportunity to do so. This is a great Springbok team vs a great Irish team. May the best team on the day win. Go Bokke
You make it sound like the bok pack are unfit... as fit as they are they'll be replace by a completely new and just as competent pack in the second half, then what? Have you ever played rugby?
That’s what they said when the boks last played against the ABs and Scotland. Hard to run in quicksand.
When the Buffalo herd replacements come on, no worries - all brawn, no brains.
🤣 okay... the buffalo herd coming on to trample the weasels you mean?
That old song… Check the score board … Boks 3 WC .. Ireland 0. But you have brains ? potatoes Yes !
We’ll see.
I’m afraid @ the moment Springbok is the team of the moment it’s not gonna be easy 4them, Ireland will certainly come up smoking, but they facing a massive “Bomb” Squad this game will be the determination of the finals
It will be a very good game to watch world no1 and 2 facing off for top honours.
7/1 split worked once, can work again… Saturday night the strategy will be praised or laughed at…
Ireland as a unit plays extremely well and remain good at turnovers and running the ball. If they play to their strengths perhaps get the ball wide or chip a few across the rush defence..
Two differing styles, cant wait to get to Paris🇫🇷
NZ referee hmmm time will tell✍️
🇿🇦 VS 🇮🇪
Agree completely. A game for rugby lovers to savour great play by two great sides.
Only the referee can rescue the Irish. Neutralising the in Springbok scrum and breakdown by ensuring marginal calls going the Irish way
Good effort against the best team in the world.
Or simply playing (which we will) our brand of multiphase rugby that has leveled every team in world rugby, including the boks twice. One injury to your backs and its game set and match. I think we will run all the beasts round the park and win by going straight through your rush defence. Also, you have no goal kicker.
😂😂😂 You think the Irish are afraid of the boks. Man, have you watched Ireland play over the last 18 months? One winner over the All Blacks and all Boks fans have become deluded 🤦♂️
"The Springboks will again look to impose brute strength on Andy Farrell’s men after naming a six-two split of forwards and backs on their bench for this weekend’s pivotal Pool B clash at Stade de France" ed its 7-1 mate.