Ian Madigan: What Ireland must do if they are to overcome the strongest squad of the professional era

Ian Madigan looks ahead to the arrival of the Springboks and another tough test for Ireland

As we prepare for South Africa’s arrival for what has become one of the biggest rivalries in recent times, we will be welcoming, in my opinion, the strongest squad since rugby turned professional – surpassing even the great All Blacks team led by Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

They have what we want – the William Webb Ellis Cup. While we will not be winning that today, this game and the opening match of the Six Nations against France will be the benchmark for our chances in the 2029 World Cup.