\n<\/p>\n
Ireland’s players are much more familiar with playing in the country than would have previously been the case thanks to the United Rugby Championship [URC].<\/p>\n
Irish provinces make at least one trip the southern hemisphere each season thanks to the Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls joining their domestic league in 2021. <\/p>\n
O’Mahony, however, says that those fixtures cannot be compared to the Test arena.<\/p>\n
“It helps you’ve been in the stadium before but international rugby is different to URC, there’s no point in saying otherwise,” he added. <\/p>\n
“It’s a different animal, a different intensity. You’re going to have a different type crowd.<\/p>\n
“It’s a big occasion for South Africa, coming back here for the first time since winning the World Cup, first Test back here. I think it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere for everyone.”<\/p>\n
Ireland have won the past three meetings between the sides, twice in Dublin and, most recently, in Paris at last year’s World Cup.<\/p>\n
Despite their pool stage loss at the Stade de France, the Springboks would go on to win that tournament, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time in succession.<\/p>\n
There has been some change for South Africa in the ensuing nine months, most notably in the coaching box.<\/p>\n
Former Japan assistant Tony Brown and O’Mahony’s old Munster coach Jerry Flannery were victorious in their first game on Rassie Erasmus’ ticket against Wales last month.<\/p>\n
But O’Mahony is still expecting a Springbok side that will play to their traditional strengths. <\/p>\n
“We certainly had a look at what they did against Wales,” he said. <\/p>\n
“They’re only one Test in so it’s hard to predict what’s coming but I don’t think they’ll go away from what they’re incredibly, incredibly good at.<\/p>\n
“They’re world champions for a reason and that base for their game isn’t going to change.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure there’ll be some new things and things they’ll throw in, curveballs, but that’s Test rugby and what you have to adapt to.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n