Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said winning the breakdown exchanges would be vital if his side were to halt a run of three defeats against Ireland in the first Test at Loftus on Saturday.
In what will be his sides first Test since they claimed a second consecutive world title in France last October, Kolisis also explained how thrilling it is to play in front of a home crowd once more.
To be able to come home and play for the people and the country who we have been playing for all along is very special, Kolisi said on Friday.
However the Bok skipper is fully wary of the challenge that awaits his team, given Irelands recent record against them, which included a 13-8 defeat in the most last encounter between the sides in the pool stages of the World Cup last year.
Ireland are the one team we havent been able to beat in a while, so its a big test, and they are a side that have been doing very well in the last few years.
