Will it snow in Dublin for the Springboks Test? What to pack for Saturday

If you’re one of the lucky few making the trip to Dublin for Saturday’s Springboks vs Ireland showdown at the Aviva Stadium, you’re probably wondering what to pack.

The short answer: Everything warm that you own!

The forecast: Cold and wet, but no snow

According to Met Éireann, Dublin is looking at temperatures around 9 to 13 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with a 70% chance of rain and winds reaching up to 47km/h. Roughly the temperature of a Cape Town winter’s day, but wetter and windier.

The good news? No snow is forecast for Dublin itself.

The bad news? Rain is almost certain, and with those wind speeds, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the actual temperature suggests.

Yes, you need layers

This is not the time to show off your short-sleeved Springbok jersey.

Pack layers: thermal base layer, long-sleeved shirt, jersey, waterproof jacket. The Irish call it “grand weather” when it’s not actively hailing. You’ll call it freezing.

And yes, bring those extra pairs of socks. Dublin in November is damp. Everything feels damp. Your feet will thank you.

Gloves are not optional

If you’re sitting in an open-air stadium for 80 minutes in 9 degrees Celsius temperatures with 47km/h winds blowing rain sideways, gloves stop being a fashion choice and become a survival tool. Same goes for a decent beanie or hat. Your ears will hate you otherwise.

The real challenge: staying dry

A waterproof jacket with a hood is essential. Those flimsy rain ponchos won’t cut it in Irish wind.

And if you’re planning on pre-match drinks in Temple Bar, factor in that you’ll be walking between pubs in the rain. Waterproof shoes or boots are worth their weight in gold.

What about after the match?

Saturday night temperatures will drop to around 6 to 9 degrees Celsius. If the Boks win and you’re celebrating in the streets of Dublin (as is tradition), you’ll need everything you packed and possibly more. Irish celebrations involve a lot of outdoor singing in the cold.

The bottom line

Pack like you’re going to a Cape Town winter’s day, then add waterproofs and double the layers. Dublin won’t give you snow, but it’ll give you cold, wet, and windy. Which, after 20 years in the UK, I can confirm is somehow worse than snow.

The match kicks off at 19:40 (SA time). The Springboks haven’t won in Dublin since 2012. Let’s hope the weather isn’t the only thing working against them.

One more thing

Given the Boks have won their last two matches despite being down to 14 men, South African fans are joking they should just start with 14 players against Ireland.

At this rate, Rassie Erasmus might actually consider it. Though in that Dublin cold, you’d think he’d want all 15 bodies on the pitch just to share the suffering.