Irish teams rising to South African challenge

Irish teams have risen to the challenge of taking on the elite South African teams on their own territory and the results are showing.

The Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions joined the United Rugby Championship for the 2021/22 season replacing the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs, who had competed in the Pro16 from 2017 until 2020.

Last season, the top South African franchises, who had previously been part of Super Rugby, won eight of nine home games against the Irish provinces.

But this season, Irish provinces have won five of six URC games in the Rainbow Nation.

Last weekend both Leinster and Munster claimed away victories, against the Lions and the Stormers.

"Definitely, I think if you look at last few years since we started coming over here, logistically even, it's a lot better than it was at the start," said Leinster contact skills coach Sean O’Brien.

"The whole set-up has adapted to that so coming away from home it’s obviously good weather as well so there’s a feel-good factor.

"It’s just about putting in good performances. You don’t want to come over here just to soak up some sun or just to take part in it.

"Munster had a great win at the weekend, we pulled it out of the bag in the end.

"Irish teams are going well and definitely getting more used to coming over here in these environments and playing at altitude, in our case last weekend.

"It’s a great experience for us all"

Leinster prop Ed Byrne spoke about his experience of playing at altitude against the Lions in Johannesburg.

"It was my first time doing it so it was tough, it’s more on the lungs than the legs but it’s that kind of burn sensation in your lungs," he said.

"When I came on there was nearly half an hour to go and I was grand for the first 20 minutes of that but