Saturday’s potential Pool B decider at the Stade de France, has many subplots to it — from styles of play to a wide range of Irish/South African connections — making it even more intriguing.
Bok coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus spent two years coaching Munster and became popular in the local community. Nienaber is returning to Ireland to join Leinster after the World Cup.
Erasmus has been linked to the performance director role at the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), with David Nucifora vacating the post. It’s a story that Erasmus refuted, as he still has two years on his contract with the South African Rugby Union to run.
Garry Ringrose of Ireland is tackled by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Steven Kitshoff of South Africa during the 2022 Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match at Aviva Stadium on 5 November, 2022 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile/Gallo Images)
“No, no, no, I won’t be (taking up the position),” Erasmus said. “There’s no talks. There’s no truth in that. I’m not sure where it’s coming from, but I definitely haven’t chatted to them (IRFU). I’m definitely not following Jacques.” This one is likely to rumble on.
Bok lock Jean Kleyn, also of Munster, played four Tests for Ireland and was part of their RWC 2019 squad. Fellow Bok second rower RG Snyman plays for Munster while Ireland attack coach Mike Catt was raised in Gqeberha before making his name playing for England and Bath.
Rob Herring’s story is not that unusual in the modern game. The former South African College School (Sacs) boy decided to further his career abroad after school and has become an important cog in an impressive Irish wheel.
The 33-year-old has twice played against the Springboks for Ireland — in 2017 and again last year. The 2017 clash, won 38-3 by Ireland, signalled the end of coach Allister Coetzee’s tenure and ushered in the Erasmus/Nienaber era.
Ireland hooker Rob Herring is tackled during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire on 16 September, 2023 in Nantes, France. (Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images)
His mother and two of his three sisters have travelled from Cape Town to Paris for the big showdown and will fully be behind their man.
“They’re (his family) all supporting Ireland,” Herring told the PA news agency.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Rugby World Cup News Hub
“All of my friends that are coming over and my family, they’re all in Irish jerseys so there will be no divided support. They will be fully behind us.
“It will be great. I’ve played against them (the Boks) a few times now and it’s al
…. to be continued
Read full article at the Original Source
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : DailyMaverick – https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-09-19-sa-born-hooker-herring-one-of-many-intrinsic-threads-that-links-ireland-and-the-springboks/
