Ex-Ireland starhas accused Damian Willemse of peddling “Donald Trump-ish rhetoric” ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Ireland and the Springboks in Dublin.

The world champions are hunting their first win in Dublin since 2012, while Ireland have won four of the last five meetings between the sides – including the 2023 World Cup pool match in Paris and last year’s series-levelling victory in Durban.

In his the news, D’Arcy took aim at comments from Willemse after the Boks’ victory in Turin.

Damian Willemse tried to suggest after the Italy win that the Springboks felt disrespected by people calling it a weakened team,” D’Arcy wrote. “The rhetoric felt a little Donald Trump-ish, trying to control the narrative. Maybe he was dipping into the Michael Jordan playbook, searching for a slight where none existed.”

D’Arcy said the Boks’ recent record in Dublin, combined with Rassie Erasmus’ rotation against Italy, would have stoked their motivation this week.

“Even with all of South Africa’s success, Ireland still occupy a little bit of headspace in the Springbok psyche. They want this win, badly,” he added. “The rotated team in Italy and the run of results here have left a mark, and Erasmus will lean into that emotional energy.”

The former midfielder believes the Test will be shaped as much by mindset as by tactics.

“The Springboks have a clear physical dominance over every side in the world, Ireland included. Their set-piece and ability to wear teams down gives them an edge in the final quarter,” he wrote.

“But it won’t be a training-ground move that decides this match. It will be a moment of desperation – a player getting set early in attack or defence, creating or stopping a score. That’s attitude. That’s mindset. And that’s where victory will be found on Saturday.”