The Aviva Stadium will be packed once more as Ireland welcome South Africa to Dublin for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of this year’s Rugby Autumn Internationals.
Ireland couldn’t be in a more confident mood, while the Springboks remain one of world rugby’s ultimate measuring sticks. With kick-off at 5:40pm, this will be the ultimate test for the Boys in Green.
Both nations have won all of their matches so far, and something has to give. Read on to find out how both teams look ahead of this match as well as our expert predictions.
Check out the pre-match odds on Ireland vs South Africa right here.
Ireland team preview
Ireland will enter this clash in high spirits after their impressive win over Australia last weekend, a performance that showcased many of the qualities that Andy Farrell has been trying to polish since the end of the Six Nations. That victory was more comfortable than expected after a fine, controlled display from start to finish. A similar performance would certainly see them trouble South Africa in round three.
Ireland’s blend of experience and new faces seems to be working a treat – and perhaps catching out opponents who aren’t used to this new-look side.
Jack Crowley delivered yet another mature outing at fly-half, dictating tempo and stretching the Wallabies defence by using the full width of the pitch. His growing composure under pressure is exactly what Farrell wants from one of his stars heading into their toughest fixture so far.
Dan Sheehan, who was forced off late against Australia, has reportedly responded well to treatment and is expected to be fit to start.
Even if Farrell opts to make a change, Rónan Kelleher offers world-class set-piece security and breakdown mobility. He has already made an impact and certainly doesn’t weaken Ireland’s side when stepping in.
Up front, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne and Caelan Doris form the spine of a pack that must withstand South Africa’s pressure just as they did against Japan and Australia.
Doris, in particular, was incredible against Australia, topping the carry count as well as dictating the overall play. His leadership abilities have grown tremendously since he was awarded the captaincy, and facing the Springboks will once again be another big test for him as Ireland’s leader.
Unfortunately, Ireland’s backline will need a slight reshuffle. Jimmy O’Brien once again remains unavailable following concussion protocols, which will likely push Jacob Stockdale to full-back.
However, Tommy O’Brien continues to impress on the wing, while Mack Hansen’s return adds both stability and the spark required to keep Ireland ticking along nicely.
Ireland will need to avoid a game dominated by stop-start collisions and scrum resets as this is often where South Africa thrive.
For Ireland, the key is to accelerate and take the game to their opponents. The use of fast rucks and clean exits can potentially carry them to a third victory.
The Aviva has very much become their fortress, but once again, they will need to feed off the energy of the crowd in order to get over the line.
Back Ireland to beat South Africa here.
South Africa team preview
South Africa arrive in Dublin with form that matches the hosts. Their 32-17 dismantling of France in Marseille at the weekend was one of the most impressive victories during this tournament to date.
It followed a comfortable 32-14 victory over Italy, a match in which the Springboks rotated heavily yet still controlled proceedings. Being able to rest key bodies ahead of such a crucial tie may just give them the upper hand.
However, it’s important to note that their tour hasn’t been without setbacks. Malcolm Marx’s knee injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the year, while Cheslin Kolbe continues to recover from a hamstring strain. Losing a world-class hooker and a global superstar winger would unsettle most teams, but South Africa have once again demonstrated their tremendous depth and why they are world champions.
Bongi Mbonambi will again take the starting number two jersey, while Johan Grobbelaar, excellent off the bench against France, is another key player who Ireland must look to contain.
Both Faf de Klerk and Handré Pollard put in professional performances in their previous two matches. Pollard’s kicking game repeatedly trapped France deep in their own half, and Ireland will know that the territorial battle could define this game.
South Africa head to Dublin knowing that they have what it takes to unsettle the hosts and inflict their first defeat – but even the world champions will have to be at their best if they are to carry on their good run of form.
Head-to-head record
The two nations have met 28 times in total with South Africa edging the historical tally.
However, over the last decade, Ireland have turned this into one of rugby’s most fiercely balanced rivalries.
That’s because Ireland famously hammered South Africa 38-3 back in 2017, which was a landmark victory signalling their emergence as a world-leading side.
The Irish beat South Africa in Dublin back in 2022 as well as in 2023, when Ireland narrowly won 13-8 during the World Cup.
And so South Africa aren’t invincible – far from it, in fact. And with two of the best nations in world rugby going head-to-head once more, fans from across the globe will be watching to see who comes out on top.
Players to watch
Ireland’s Caelan Doris remains the heartbeat of this successful squad. The captain was exceptional against Australia, setting the tone physically while organising Ireland’s defensive shape.
His carrying output continues to elevate the team’s tempo, and his ability to win small battles in tight exchanges will be vital against the Springboks. When Ireland need calm and a cool head under pressure, Doris is the one they look to.
Another Irish player to keep a close eye on is Jack Crowley, who continues to grow every time he takes to the field. He gave a top performance against Australia that showcased maturity and excellent game management throughout.
Out wide, Tommy O’Brien is emerging as Ireland’s breakout attacking weapon and a player who certainly gets the fans on their feet. His lightning pace and quick footwork were evident in Ireland’s win last weekend, and his finishing instincts make him a constant threat.
For the visitors, there’s no surprise that Handré Pollard will likely once again serve as South Africa’s tactical compass. His performance against France was vintage Pollard – and one that we are witnessing time and time again.
His territorial control forces teams into mistakes, and if Ireland’s defence is anything less than perfect, Pollard will likely punish it.
Another standout player for South Africa is Kurt-Lee Arendse. It’s safe to say that few players in world rugby accelerate into space as quickly, and his finishing against both Italy and France highlighted his ability to turn half-breaks into tries.
Ireland must be exceptionally disciplined with their kicking strategy because Arendse thrives on loose or contestable possession.
Another player for the visitors who arrives in solid form is Jasper Wiese, who continues to be the tone setter of this South African pack. His carrying against France repeatedly bent the defensive line, providing front-foot ball that allowed the Boks to launch their multi-phase power game.
If Ireland fail to stop Wiese early in contact, South Africa’s attack becomes significantly more dangerous.
Our expert predictions
Ireland head into the contest as slight favourites after their convincing win against Australia. Once again, their attack looked sharp and their discipline was on point, and their overall performance will have South Africa a little worried.
At the Aviva, Ireland always have a chance with the crowd behind them – and they certainly will be considering the way that the Boys in Green are proudly playing at the moment.
However, it would be foolish to think that South Africa are going to roll over easily. They don’t get outmuscled often, and they certainly don’t get intimidated. Their set pieces remain elite and their defensive system is world-class.
This match will likely hinge on the line-out and how effectively Ireland can maintain tempo. If they are forced into an arm wrestle, the Springboks might just take control. If they can play fast, use Crowley’s width, and keep Doris and Hansen in the game, they can tilt the contest.
However, we predict that Ireland will narrowly come out on top. It will likely be a tighter contest than we have seen so far for the Irish, but you can’t underestimate their current form or their home advantage.
Tonybet has hundreds of betting markets for the match of the weekend, and so if you’re looking to back Ireland, player tries or the correct score, head over to the site below to place your bets. Good luck if you’re backing the Irish.
