Tensions are rising ahead of Ireland’s summer tour of South Africa next month, with Springbok centre Damian de Allende promising a ‘war’ ahead of the opening Test in Pretoria.
The back-to-back world champions will be in action for the first time since claiming World Cup glory in France last year.
Ireland memorably defeated the Springboks in their pool game in Paris but were knocked out yet again at the quarter-final stage by New Zealand, while South Africa recovered from their loss against Ireland and went on to claim the trophy.
South Africans were known to be irked by the perception in some quarters that Ireland were still the No1 side in the world based on their consistent form and have been lining up…
