Fresh off his Player of the Match performance in the Boks’ 32-14 victory against Italy in Turin on Saturday, when they had to show true character to overcome a red and yellow card in the match, Willemse said they expected another epic encounter.

South Africa last defeated Ireland – who beat Australia by 46-19 on Saturday – in Dublin in 2014.

“Obviously, we have an eye on Ireland already, and we’ll focus heavily on that game this week,” said Willemse.

“This group of players haven’t won at the Aviva Stadium yet, and that’s definitely a goal for us. We want to put up a strong performance, but it’s going to be a massive game. We’re really looking forward to playing in Dublin.”

Willemse added: “We’re going to need everything - every squad member and coach to get the result we want in Ireland. They are a world-class team and we know what they can do, especially in Dublin.

“They are a very strong side with a good coaching staff as well, so they’ll be ready and prepared to come up with plans for us. We’ll go back to the drawing board on Monday and make sure we dial in our plans, so that we are ready for the challenge.”

Looking back at their victory against Italy and being named player of the match, Willemse said he was very happy.

“It was obviously a very tough game, and for me to get the award was mainly due to the forwards,” he said.

“The tight five did a hell of a job, especially when Franco (Mostert – who received a red card in the 12^th minute) had to go off. We had to work really hard and come up with plans.

“So, overall, I’m pleased with the resilience and character everyone showed, and credit to the coaching staff too for making plans and coming up with solutions when we went down to 14 men. A lot of guys coming into the team, who hadn’t had a lot of game time, stepped up in a in a big game like this, and it gives us a lot of confidence”

Elaborating on the impressive manner in which the coaches make plans on the go, regardless of what happens in a match, Willemse said: “The big word to use is probably trust. At halftime in the change room, the coaches gave us clear plans and messages for what we should do in the second half.

“Italy pressed us hard and applied a lot of pressure in the first 10 minutes, but we stuck to our plan, and it takes a team and trust to do something like that. It shows why this badge means so much to us, South Africa, and our families.

“To be honest, I can’t find the perfect word to describe what it means to this team and for everyone to go out there and get the results.”

After missing the 2024 international season due to injury, Willemse was delighted to be back in the squad and thanked the coaches for assisting him to slot right back into the swing of things.

“I have to thank the coaches,” said Willemse. “Coach Felix (Jones), Mzwandile Stick, and Tony Brown really helped me with my game, and coach Rassie (Erasmus) as well, giving me a go to get consecutive games. It really got my confidence back up.

“After missing last year, I’m delighted to be back. It’s a real privilege to put on the Springbok jersey and to play for this team.”

The team arrived in Dublin from Italy on Sunday afternoon and will begin their on-field preparations for Saturday’s clash on Monday.