The local press in Dublin have licked their lips at the prospect of thrashing a clearly depleted Bok team who hobbled their way to Europe with many new faces and a few worn out players. Still Matfield is an inspiring figure and is clearly confident of proving the critics wrong; some who are even predicting a 40 point win for the Irish.

"We haven't won in Dublin for 10 years but the only thing we are worried about is how Ireland play and the way we play tomorrow. We need to get a result. We had a little chat this morning about believing in ourselves. There aren't a lot of people giving us a chance in this game and hopefully that will motivate the guys,” said Captain Matfield.

His charges will face an Irish team who have waited for years to establish their dominance over South Africa and their recent wins have always been surrounded by controversy especially with regards to referee decisions. The Irish Luck could well be with them and they must be itching to get at the Boks.

Matfield admits that, “...this may be not be the most experienced side,” but is confident that the team that represents South Africa will be good enough on the day to record an unexpected win.

“We still think we've got a lot of talent. It doesn't matter if we are underdogs or favourites, we know we are pulling on a Springbok jersey and we've got a job to do. The moment you put on that Springbok jersey you need to be 100% focused. I believe the guys will be ready. We had a good three days in South Africa training very hard,” adds Matfield.

It might well be an inexperienced side that the Springboks have fielded but no one will question the hunger for success that the new additions to the side have. Lambie, Daniel, Basson, Stegman and others might just create enough desire for a win to inspire a victory that many do not expect.

For me I will be shouting for the full 80 minutes for the Springboks to pull off a triumph. And predict a surprise for the Irish.