Dave Kilcoyne prepared for physical challenge of Springboks

The notion of being patient is a bit of a killer for Dave Kilcoyne primarily because it's been the attribute most demanded of him in his career, particularly his international one to date.

Two years ago, the UL Bohemian prop, made his Ireland debut in the November series, when he enjoyed a four-minute cameo in temporarily replacing Cian Healy against South Africa.

Since then he has won a further nine caps, eight of which have been as a replacement, and only his most recent outing in the green jersey, against Argentina in Tucaman, was he part of the run-on side, so to speak.

Biding his time behind Healy initially, the 25-year-old watched Leinster's Jack McGrath, usurp him latterly in the pecking order for Joe Schmidt's squad – the pair will fight it out for the starting place against the Springboks at the Aviva stadium on Saturday – and he has also had to try and fend off the challenge of James Cronin at Munster, initially.

Kilcoyne has demonstrated character in the manner in which he’s fought his corner, including adding try-scoring to a list of attributes. On the issue of competition for places he explained: “My mindset probably hasn’t changed. I’m just trying to acquit myself as best I can every time I take the field. It definitely brings people on.

“When there’s competition within your squad you have to perform week in, week out to hold onto that jersey. It brings the best out of everyone and makes the squad better, makes the team better. I’ve been really happy with my form.

“I suppose getting as much game time as possible is the key. I was unlucky at the start that I’d an injury to my hamstring that kept me out for the first two games. Over the last two months, I’ve been really happy. Obviously I want to be starting week in, week out. There have been setbacks, but I think I’ve bounced back from them well.”

Now all he wants is a chance, beginning on Saturday against South Africa. “They’re an incredibly physical side and I think they’ve brought a bit more to their game of late. They’re really running it from everywhere now. It’s going to be a massive challenge.

“I’ll be trying to deliver on my side of the scrum. We’ve a saying here; every man does his own job. That makes the next person’s job easier. So I’ll be 100% scrum-focused and trying to deliver around the pitch to try and help the team.”

Kilcoyne gently corrects an inquisitor who asks if his debut two years ago against Saturday’s opposition has forearmed him in dealing with the challenge, pointing out that the Springbok team in personnel terms has changed while their style of play has evolved too. The relatively new scrum laws are another difference.

He’s tried to elicit some information from Munster team-mate and former South African tighthead prop BJ Botha. “He gave us an insight into the mindset of the South African pack, especially at scrum and maul time, which was useful. He just said that they can tend to go on their own battles sometimes, so it’s just about taking them on as an eight and not do it individually.”

Simon Easterby's arrival as forwards' coach following the surprise departure of John Plumtree has coincided with a few tweaks to the system.

“I think John had good systems in place and Simon has come in and put his own stamp on things. We probably defend mauls differently, small things like that, but we talked about the need to make constant improvements and never being happy with where we were.

"I know last year in the Six Nations, the lineout and maul percentages were quite high. We've talked about now improving on them and making them higher again."

There’s little doubt that Kilcoyne would like to be given the chance to fulfil that remit.