Springbok legend calls Ireland the ‘biggest a***h****’ in rugby

He didn't hold back.

However, their last game, in November, was a stark reminder of the Springboks' status as the best side in the world, as they demolished Ireland's scrum at the Aviva Stadium.

In the past, players and management have had a go at Ireland, with head coach Rassie Erasmus labelling them as "softies" and lock Eben Etzebeth calling the team "arrogant".

It is now the turn of legendary backrower Bob Skinstad to have a pop.

Speaking on his Champagne Rugby podcast, he said: "I think the Irish have been the biggest arseholes in world rugby for a long time now because of the South African interaction with them.

"It used to be 'hey come on in have a Guinness, who cares who wins, we'll have a hug, rugby's the best'. Now it's like, 'well as long as we win against you'.

"That's a really difficult thing to embrace when you've always gone to Ireland and had fun time and now it's very anti-against us or at us."

However, he did clarify that all was fair in love and war, adding: "For any of the Irish people listening, we love you dearly.

"But it is a bit of healthy banter and it's definitely had an edge to it."