Gordon D’Arcy reveals primary concern for Ireland ahead of highly-anticipated Springboks series that ‘won’t disappoint’
Split-with-Gordon-DArcy-and-Ireland-v-South-Africa
Legendary Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy believes fatigue could be a concern for his country when they face the Springboks in South Africa during the mid-year window.
The Six Nations champions will face the world champions in two Tests, at Loftus Versfeld and Kings Park, in June in an eagerly-awaited series.
End of a long season
The tour comes after a long season for Ireland players who have already squeezed the Six Nations in between an already busy club season, which is where D’Arcy fears the side may struggle.
“The season started to tell a little bit for Ireland towards the end of that Six Nations,” he said.
“I think Ireland will be tired coming down to South Africa. That said, I think there will be a couple of bodies coming back in and a couple of new faces added to that squad and we have two brilliant coaching tickets.”
Ireland legend: ‘Nothing to suggest’ Garry Ringrose should start over Leinster’s ‘Rolls Royce’ youngster
Big match-up
Despite the Springboks‘ win at the global showpiece last year and their number-one spot in the world ranking, there is still a belief that Ireland is the best team on the planet especially after their Six Nations title, making for a mouth-watering series.
The former centre joked that it is the “actual” favourites facing the “people’s” favourites.
“What I loved about the South African [World Cup title] win was that they didn’t let a group match derail them and I just thought the resilience they showed to come back was fantastic,” he said.
“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.
“It is the pick of the [July] Tests for me and I just hope Ireland will give a good account of themselves.
“We know how much travel takes out of teams on the road, being away from home after a long season, and you guys [South Africa] are getting started, but it certainly won’t disappoint.”