Nash ready for ‘massive’ Loftus Versfeld challenge

Calvin Nash is hoping to count on his success with Munster in South Africa, ahead of Saturday’s first Test with the Springboks in Pretoria.

In April, the Ireland international was part of a Munster side that inflicted a rare defeat on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, the venue for this Saturday’s first Test.

South Africa have lost just one of their last 13 games at the venue, while New Zealand are the only country to have beaten them at the Pretoria ground in the last 30 years.

And Nash says he’s expecting Saturday’s occasion will be a significant step up from his recent visit with Munster earlier this season.

“Massive challenge to come down here,” the wing said.

“It’s hard enough to win a game [at Loftus Versfeld] in the URC – so I can only imagine what’s it’s going to be like in an international Test. The coaches told us about the challenge.

“Paulie [forwards coach Paul O’Connell] was saying to us that only one Irish team has won here internationally, so that’s another massive challenge and one we have to get over ourselves, and hopefully come up with positive results.”

The 26-year-old has settled well into international rugby in recent months.

Having made his debut in the World Cup warm-ups last August, he started every game for Ireland in the Six Nations and looks set to be included in the starting side later today when head coach Andy Farrell confirms his matchday squad at 2pm.

“The Six Nations helped me a lot because it gave me more calmness coming into the international stage. Chance to get to know the lads was the main thing so I could know what they’re doing on the pitch. At the same time, the off-the-field relationships are massive.

“I suppose it’s the same as any other camp. I just tried to throw myself in and get the connections built up again. It’s been class to spend more time with the lads and get to know people more.”

The introduction of the South African sides into the URC in recent seasons has exposed Irish players to grounds like Loftus Versfeld, and the challenge of the altitude that comes with it.

And Nash (above) believes this Ireland team have been able to adjust to the conditions training in Johannesburg this week.

“No real effect on mindset, rugby is still rugby at the end of the day. You have to be more worried about kicks going a bit further, but it’s just heightened awareness about that.

“Other than that we’re seeing similar pictures and it doesn’t change very much. Both teams have to play at altitude, so whoever deals with it the best will win I suppose.”

Meanwhile, South Africa out-half Handre Pollard says their formidable record in Pretoria won’t lead to any complacency this weekend.

With Saturday’s visit of Ireland to Loftus being their first game on South African soil since the World Cup, there’s likely to be a celebratory atmosphere for what will be a homecoming of sorts for Rassie Erasmus’ side.

“We definitely can’t just rock up and expect to win,” the out-half (below) said.

“Home ground advantage will depend on how much brandy the fans drink outside before the game.

“We are really looking forward to it because it’s great to be back home.

“Loftus is a special place with a special vibe and it will be pretty hostile, which we enjoy. But that doesn’t mean we automatically get the ‘W’. We are going to have to go out and earn it.

“It’s lovely being back at Loftus, it’s a special place and I keep it close to my heart. I spent seven good years here [with the Bulls] and I love playing here. It’s one of the great stadiums in the world to play. It’s sold out, it’s going to be a special atmosphere.”

Ireland have won each of their last three meetings with the Springboks, including in their Pool B meeting at the World Cup last year.

Pollard has missed the last two of those games, however, and his world class goalkicking was badly missed by the Boks in their 2022 and 2023 defeats to Ireland.

But the Leicester Tigers man says his side aren’t dwelling on their poor record against this Irish side.

“The confidence in the group is good. We’ve been training hard and preparing well.

“When it comes to beating Ireland, of course we want to break that streak, but we’re not driven by that and we’re not putting too much focus on it.

“The goal-kicking is the goal-kicking, which is a separate aspect of the game. We have to focus on playing well and giving ourselves opportunities. If we don’t do that, there won’t be any kicks for goal.

“We know the opportunities are there – they were there in Paris that day [in 2023] as well – we have to be more composed and try and get something out of every 22 entry we get. There aren’t going to be a lot. They will be few and far between for both teams so when you get them you will have to be lot more clinical,” he added.

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