Gordon D’Arcy expects physical Test against South Africa
Centre Gordon D’Arcy believes that Ireland must match South Africa’s physicality if they are to overcome the World Cup champions at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 6 November.
The British and Irish Lion is set to win his 50th cap for Ireland and will be hoping he can make it a day to remember with a victory over the Springboks.
However, speaking during a press conference, D’Arcy insisted that, “The only way to face these guys is to stand toe to toe with them."
The Irish centre appears to be in no mood to shy away from a confrontation with a South African side that is regarded as one of the toughest and most physical teams in world rugby.
“If there is any bullying to be done, we will do it," said a confident D’Arcy.
The Irish centre has formed a formidable partnership with Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll in midfield, but injury has meant the player has failed to amass the amount of caps that some of the other senior players in the squad can boast.
D’Arcy insists that he will not lead the team out on to the pitch in recognition of his 50 caps.
"It's just a number. You can be sure I won't be leading the team out. I suppose now I'm just happy playing rugby. I was probably more comfortable with the attention a few years ago.”
The 30-year-old seems more comfortable talking about the achievement of his team-mates and said, “There are a lot of lads on the team closing in on the hundred cap mark, which is much more of an achievement. I've been around the same amount of time as them
and have half the number of caps."
Ireland beat South Africa 15-10 in last year’s Autumn Internationals and D’Arcy will be eager to reproduce the form he is showing with provincial side Leinster.
He will hope that he can get enough ball to help Ireland to back-to-back wins against the Springboks.
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