Ireland trio determined to perform on home soil - Simon Easterby

Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby is confident that the South Africa born trio of CJ Stander, Richardt Strauss and Quinn Roux will perform well in the upcoming Test series against the Springboks.

Stander, who was born in the Western Cape region, has played for South Africa Under-20 team while Strauss and Roux were born in Pretoria before all three decided to play for Ireland based on residential grounds.

Stander is likely to feature in the opening game against South Africa in the back row while Strauss is expected to start on the bench as a back-up for Ireland captain Rory Best.

Easterby, who has played 65 games for Ireland said that the trio are wary of a hostile reception from the South African crowd and are keen to prove a point with their performances in the series.

"CJ's shown with his form over the last three seasons with Munster, he's been outstanding. He's been a real talisman for them," he said. "He's come into our Six Nations squad and done particularly well.

"He plays with his heart on his sleeve and is a real leader. He'll be emotional at the weekend along with Quinn and Richardt.

"They are guys that are very passionate about where they were brought up but hugely passionate about wearing the green jersey.

"To a man that has come through, not just in this week since arriving in South Africa but also the build-up.

"You get a sense that they're very keen to show the country that they were born in what they're missing."

Ireland will be without the services of Seán O’Brien, Tommy O’Donnell, Josh van der Flier, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Johny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy for the upcoming tour while the likes of Tiernan O'Halloran, Matt Healy, Craig Gilroy and Ian Madigan were included as replacements.

The former flanker believes the tour will present a good opportunity for the youngsters to prove their mettle at the international level keeping in mind the 2019 World Cup.

"Every team will travel, I'm sure, from the northern hemisphere this summer without certain players; we're no different. What it does do is to allow us to view these players up close for the next three weeks," he said.

"Players who have stood up domestically in the Pro12 throughout the season have been given the opportunity. It will build some depth and they can lay a marker down for the guys that aren't here.

"For me, it's great. We build some depth looking ahead to (the World Cup in) 2019 and we'll find out a lot about players in a really intense environment against one of the best sides in the world."

Ireland are expected to announce their team by Thursday for the first Test against South Africa in Cape Town which begins on 11th June.