There's massive trepidation among the Irish team today ahead of their match against South Africa in Paris tonight. 

Ireland will take on South Africa in the Rugby World Cup in the Stade de France, Paris, at 8pm Irish time. 

Former Rugby Player Tommy Bowe told The Anton Savage Show this could be Ireland’s biggest test yet. 

“There’s massive trepidation,” he said. 

“Ireland have been on a crest of wave – the number one team in the world, haven’t been beaten in 15 matches in a row. 

“But in a match against the number two team in the world, it’s pretty daunting, particularly with the South African team named.” 

'Nuke Squad'

The so-called ‘Nuke Squad’ of seven forwards will take their place on the South African bench. 

Mr Bowe said it’s a huge credit to the South African team to play this tactic against Ireland. 

“Whenever I was playing, you're on the wing or on the backs what you wanted to do is try to find a [player] who played the full length of the game who’s blowing out their arse at the time,” he said. 

“You know that’s where there's going to be a few spaces to play around them. 

“Now whenever [South Africa] is going to offload a whole forward pack who were blowing out their arse – they're being taken off and a new pack is put on, so there’s no space. 

“There will be no space, they will just fill the field and there will be no space for the Irish back line to try and find gaps.” 

South African team warm up before the start of the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Romania, 17/09/2023. Image: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Despite this threat, Mr Bowe said Ireland could power through. 

“I think the beauty of it is with the likes of Johnny Sexton and the Irish team, we’re not the biggest team in the world or the fastest, but we are a very smart rugby nation, we have some great decision makers,” he said. 

“It's about continuing the momentum.” 

Another threat less considered is the time of the match – 9pm French time. 

“That’s one thing I hated,” Mr Bowe said. 

“It’s a long long day of this being in the ac of your mind and how do you prepare yourself for these matches and pass the day without expelling too much energy.” 

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