Springboks Arrive in Ireland and Fans Focus In on One Detail: “What’s in Those Big Bags?”

• The Springboks arrived in Ireland on Monday, riding the confidence of an unbeaten start to their Autumn Series campaign
• They now look to extend that momentum, mindful that they have not defeated Ireland since 2012
• A clip showing the Springboks players offloading their luggage from a truck went viral, sparking fresh interest and conversation among supporters

The Springboks touched down in Dublin on Monday, 17 November 2025, as preparations began for their clash against Ireland on Saturday, 22 November, in the Outgoing Autumn Series.

The Boks arrive with their 100% winning record intact. Victories over Japan, France and Italy have lifted Rassie Erasmus’ men, although the last two results came despite consecutive red cards shown to locks Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert.

South Africa now turns their attention to third-ranked Ireland, a side they have not beaten since 2012. They have fallen to the hosts three times at the Aviva Stadium, with defeats of 29–15 in 2014, 38–3 in 2017 and 19–16 in 2022.

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Heading into the week full of belief after a strong 2025 season, in which they defended their Rugby Championship title and enjoyed an impressive November run.

The Springboks' arrival in Ireland draws fan attention

A clip showing the Springboks arriving in Ireland, pulling their large travel bags from a truck, caught the eye of rugby supporters online.

For many, it offered a rare look at the players handling their own luggage, prompting both admiration and curiosity about the size of the bags and the workload of elite rugby stars.

Rugby fans react to the viral arrival clip

Here is how supporters responded to the footage:

@beyond_thecurve:

"They handle their luggage themselves. Good to see such humble champions doing their own work. I couldn't imagine any first-division soccer team in Europe doing this."

@tristan Whitehead:

"What the hell is all that that rugby players carry around?"

@Sam_the_Second:

"Kanti zihamba njani la kwa rugby? Why, okare, it's always an international break? When do these guys get to play club rugby?"

@TCM39599285:

"Another practice match masquerading as a competitive fixture."

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@Afrique_Savanna:

"It's nice to be a professional sports player. You get to explore the world at the board's expense Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, France, Ireland, etc. Jet fatigue is real, but at least you get business-class seats."

@Thibos_G:

"World champions do this themselves."

@Lungz1ads1:

"This will be a good game, with Ireland shaken off the rust after being poor against a poor New Zealand team."

@maryna_145:

"It looks like winter isn’t bothering many of them? That’s my team!"

@bhanaC:

"Staying humble. All the best for Saturday."

@Wandalitious:

"Officially the best rugby team in Ireland."

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Bongi Mbonambi and Ntuthuko Mchunu will join the Springboks squad in Ireland ahead of their upcoming clash with Ireland.

Erasmus and his coaching staff said that hooker Mbonambi and prop Mchunu would link up with the team on Sunday as preparations continue for the final two fixtures of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour against Ireland and Wales.

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Mbonambi, who was part of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship squad, had been on Erasmus’s standby list for the tour, while Mchunu last played for the Springboks during the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series, earning his third Test cap against Portugal in Bloemfontein.

Emotional Springbok tribute brings Bryan Habana to tears

Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok great Bryan Habana was moved by a powerful compilation video celebrating the national team’s remarkable journey in recent years.

The clip, which runs for just over three minutes, captures some of the most defining moments from the Springboks’ modern era, a period marked by unity, resilience, and two successive Rugby World Cup triumphs under Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi.

Source: Briefly News