South Africa vs. Ireland: World Cup Finalists Lead Springboks

South Africa has selected 12 players from their victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup final squad for the opening Test against Ireland. Despite initial injury concerns, scrum-half Faf de Klerk has been cleared to start, joining fly-half Handre Pollard, who played a crucial role in their World Cup triumph. Key figures like Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche, who all featured off the bench in the final, will start in Pretoria. In their matchday squad against Ireland, only Gerhard Steenekamp, Salmaan Moerat and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu did not participate in the final. South Africa’s head coach, Erasmus, emphasized the team’s depth and experience.

He highlighted their familiarity with Ireland, a team they haven’t defeated since 2016. Despite missing players like Makazole Mapimpi and Damian Willemse, Erasmus is confident in his squad’s ability to face Ireland, the world’s second-ranked team. The Springboks aim to build on their recent successes, acknowledging the challenge posed by Ireland, who handed them their only defeat during the World Cup pool stages. Ireland, under coach Andy Farrell, will announce their lineup shortly before the match in South Africa.

South Africa’s starting lineup includes seasoned World Cup winners and maintains a 6-2 split on the bench, reflecting their strategic depth and preparation for a competitive encounter with Ireland.