Wallaby icon David Campese said centre Garry Ringrose is key to addressing Ireland’s creativity for the series decider against the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell on Thursday named the lineup to face the Boks in the second and final Test at Kings Park. In midfield, Ringrose comes into the side to partner Robbie Henshaw, with Bundee Aki ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Planet Rugby, Campese highlighted Ringrose as a key threat: “Ringrose has to play as first choice every time when fit; he’s their X-factor player and can unlock the Bok rush defence.
“I noted Rassie Erasmus predicted he’d start last weekend and that tells you a lot. It doesn’t matter which of Henshaw or a fit Aki starts at 12 as both are world-class inside centres but average outside centres.
WATCH: Money Man backs Boks to sweep Ireland
“I’ve no doubt that he will be far more worried about defending the corner with Garry at 13 and Ireland need the Leinsterman’s brilliant creativity more than ever to offer attacking counterpoint to their usual structural game.”
Reflecting on Ireland’s loss in Pretoria last week, Campese criticised their “inability to play heads up rugby.
He also dismissed criticism of the Boks’ bench tactics, calling the backlash “ridiculous”, adding, “If any country had the forward riches the Boks have, they’d do exactly the same.”
Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan via Irish Rugby
The post Campo: Ringrose can unlock Bok defence appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
