Coming off the back of their worst Six Nations campaigns in three years, Joe Schmidt's Ireland face a tough task of a three-test tour to South Africa - a team Ireland have never beaten in South Africa.
It's set to be a tough ask for Ireland to get any result, but we should be boosted by the returns from injury of the likes of Peter O'Mahony and Iain Henderson.
South Africa have been preparing for the upcoming tests by announcing their new head coach - with Allister Coetzee being announced today. The former Stormers head coach should bring an even more physical game to the Boks, but he won't be afraid to play undersized flair backs like Cheslin Kolbe.
Ireland will be formidable. They were 6N champs last year. We do respect them. -@Springboks coach Allister Coetzer #BokCoach
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) April 12, 2016
Ireland will be tough and passionate but we will be ready. -@Springboks coach Allister Coetzee #BokCoach
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) April 12, 2016
In his introductory press conference though, Coetzee did reveal that one world class player wouldn't be playing against Ireland this summer - Bryan Habana.
Bryan Habana wont be considered for the Ireland tests - Allister Coetzee
— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) April 12, 2016
The South African record breaking try scorer is currently plying his trade in France with Toulon. Coetzee has confirmed that Habana will be playing for the South African Sevens blitzbokke in June as opposed to the 15s team, or helping Toulon in the Top 14 final.
While we may not have heard the last of that with Mourad Boudjellal, it's a significant boost for Ireland to not face the prospect of South Africa's best winger.
See Also: Rob Kearney's Description Of His Ongoing Injury Woes Is Terrifying And Worrying
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
