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Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip believes home ground advantage will play a big part in Saturday's clash against South Africa.
Declan Kidney's men will host the Springboks in their first international match at the new Aviva Stadium.
Heaslip, who has been in outstanding form for club side Leinster, expects the overwhelming home support to inspire Ireland to victory over the current World champions.
"I think we can do a job," he told the Belfast Telegraph.
"The new stadium is unbelievable. I played there a few weeks ago against Munster in the Magners League and it was incredible.
"That was a 60-40 split, but in an Ireland home game you're going to be getting 80-20 if not 90-10 and believe me, that will be intimidating.
"I think people are going to be surprised at just how loud it is. In that match against Munster it was hard to hear the referee call the scrum.
"The crowd are right on top of you so there's no escape. It's a great ampitheatre. As well as the atmosphere the pitch is superb and the facilities are the best I have ever been in."
Ireland face gruelling encounters against Samoa, New Zealand and Argentina following the Springbok clash and Heaslip is hoping to get as much game time as possible.
"We've got four tough games ahead of us and inevitably there will be knocks and bangs. You can't have the same 15 guys going through all four games given the physicality of the game," he said.
"A player wants to play so maybe sometimes you have to protect him from himself."
Comments
marko72 says...
Heaslip - shut up and concentrate on nullifying Spies!
Posted 16:58 05th November 2010
Kawasakifreak says...
The crowd may be an advantage but who cares - Ireland would do better if they focused on themselves rather than those watching them.
Posted 18:14 04th November 2010