Cheslin Kolbe lays down the challenge for Ireland series

Both Ireland and the Springboks were tipped to go all the way at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The northern hemisphere giants went into the global showpiece as the top-ranked team in the world. After their 13-8 win over the defending champion Boks in the pool stages, the favourites' tag was pinned firmly on their chest. 

But a narrow defeat to New Zealand saw them crash out of in the quarterfinals of a World Cup for an incredible eighth time.

Despite this, Ireland does boast an impressive record against the Boks in recent times, winning eight out of their last 12 meetings.

But according to Kolbe, when they arrive on South African shores later this month, the gauntlet will be laid down.

"There's been a lot of hype and a lot of talk about it," said the diminutive winger, as per News24.

"Obviously, we badly wanted to beat them in the pool match at the World Cup but they had the better of us on the day.

"So [there's] a lot of excitement about Ireland in July but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves. We've got Wales at Twickenham and then the focus will shift onto Ireland.

"There's been a lot of talk about Ireland deserving to win the World Cup. We'll see in July."

Kolbe's words come after teammate Damian de Allende revealed the series is about putting some respect back in the green and gold jersey.

The World Champions host Ireland on the 6th and 13th of July in Pretoria and Durban respectively. 

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