Strauss confident ahead of Ireland Test

He was speaking ahead of the first Test against Ireland at Newlands Stadium on Saturday.

Strauss said he’s feeling incredibly calm, despite the added responsibility of captaincy.

"I am looking forward to the game. The amount of leaders in the squad has helped quite a lot. I know it's going to be a tough one," he said.

Strauss says the team has received overwhelming support from the public. 

"Everyone is so positive."

New Springbok coach Allister Coetzee named what can be described as a very balanced team to face Ireland in the first of three Tests.

He said it wasn't an easy team selection.

"I am proud of the fact that there is so much competitiveness in the squad and the players have brought a great amount of intensity during training," he said following the team announcement.

Sport minister Fikile Mbalula also met with the team on Friday morning.