Chemistry right for explosive third encounter

The grudge factor, like it or not; the world champions seeking to equal a world record; a wounded and derided Irish side in classic underdog mode and a capacity crowd at Lansdowne Road. If this match doesn't turn us on, our batteries need recharging.

We can tut-tut and bemoan the violent excesses of the last meeting in Pretoria, but we can't have it every way. In spite of the charm offensive from the South Africans this past week, the whiff of gunpowder is part of this match's intrigue.

In fairness to both teams, the Pretoria Test was a rare blip in the otherwise disciplined reigns of Warren Gatland and Nick Mallett, while referee Clayton Thomas will be an improvement on Joel Dume.

Initially, there is likely to be some niggle up front, but the South Africans - who feel Keith Wood's off-the-ball stiff arm on Gary Teichmann in the first Test was the catalyst for Pretoria - are unlikely to target Wood again or instigate a boxing match, as it probably wouldn't do them many favours.

Although James Dalton and Mark Andrews are no shrinking violets, the absence of Pieter Muller (who stiff-armed Denis Hickie on the chin off the ball in Pretoria) takes away some of their abrasive edge. Besides, they are a great side and will want that greatness to be expressed to the full.

Yet, the South Africans are not running up the scores of their corresponding tour a year ago and seem to be a little jaded. Despite a tougher schedule last year, which included the Lions tour, they had the fresh injection of Mallett's ideas.

However, they can see their year's end in sight now. Three games and two Tests to go, they're homeward bound on Sunday week. It's like the horse on a trek who has to be kicked to walk at the outset, but starts galloping once he sees the stables again.

There is a view that their pursuit of a record-equalling 17 successive Test wins might be adding pressure on them. Afraid not. It may have obliged some of them to go on a tour they'd rather have skipped, but it has made this tour an end itself. A world record and a first Irish and British grand slam in almost 40 years are now clearly within sight.

Besides, the greater public interest and edge in this leg of their tour (compared to the disinterest of the Scots) ought to motivate them more. They'd love to really click and put Ireland in their place after last summer's irreverence.

Under the urbane and progressive Mallett, the Springboks have beaten everyone that matters twice - the All Blacks, the Wallabies, France and England, as well as posting record wins over the Scots and Welsh. In the last two seasons, Ireland have beaten Canada, Georgia and Romania. No contest? The bookies seem to think so, rating Ireland's chances at 12 to 1.

Jim Staples once remarked that the majority of games are decided before the morning of the match. In modern-day rugby, particularly, it's not true to say that teams always have a chance. But in this case there is a chance, especially as this Irish team has hinted at recording a shock win - most notably in Paris, but also in Twickenham and Bloemfontein. A repeat of last week's missed, first-up tackles and disorganisation out wide against Romania would assuredly lead to a rout. But that won't be repeated. This game is the game all Ireland's players have wanted since the fulltime whistle in Pretoria.

The Springboks are world beaters, but not unbeatable. They are not grinding sides down over five, six and seven phases like a year ago. They also don't play their best scrummagers, though against that the absence of an in-form Paul Wallace is a serious loss to Ireland.

There are concerns about the form of a number of Irish players. Conor McGuinness's apparent lack of self-confidence is a worry, less so Eric Elwood's. He'll surely enjoy a more structured game plan, and remembering Percy Montgomery's vulnerability for Justin Bishop's try in the first summer Test, Elwood will probably overtake his total of kicks from the hand (three) over the last two Saturdays in the first 10 minutes today. And why not, if it can also get the crowd involved as a 16th man?

Admittedly, outside close range set-pieces, the up-and-under, and Elwood's trademark reverse pass, Ireland haven't had too many tryscoring arrows in their weaponry. The Springboks, by comparison, have a quiver full, with Joost van der Westhuizen their chief archer.

Furthermore, once they get over the gain line, no team supports better. Wales missed three first-up tackles all afternoon and it cost them the match. Ireland will do well to emulate Wales, although the Springboks will hardly make 16 handling errors again.

Like Wales, Ireland could do with early points on the board, even if 14 wasn't enough a fortnight ago. Like Wales, Ireland will have to avoid kicking to touch in their own half, whether by sacrificing territorial position as Wales did in running from deep or mixing it with a kick-to-tackle policy.

South Africa's opening two tries against the Combined Provinces last Tuesday were a reminder that no team launches their loose forwards off line-outs in midfield better than they do. The second and third tries in Pretoria also came this way.

In this regard, Andre Venter was the main thorn in the Irish side last summer and the Irish management team was pleasantly surprised when he was dropped on this tour.

The mind games alone for this encounter are fascinating. Playing out of their skins and shaking these Springboks is a tall order for Ireland, but a Herculean effort is expected.

Equally though, if stirred, the Springboks have an inner belief that they will always pull through, and have the decision-makers (at eight, nine and 10) plus the match-winners (most notably at number nine) to do so.

--Guardian Service