Ireland v South Africa: Irish make four changes as Springboks recall big guns

Having rotated his team for last week’s win over Italy, South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled several key players, including fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, centre Damian de Allende and second row Eben Etzebeth.

Erasmus’ line-up shows two changes from the impressive 32-17 win over France in Paris a fortnight ago, with Ruan Nortje and Canan Moodie replacing Lood de Jager and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

De Jager is suspended following his red card against France, while Arendse – who scored a try against Ireland in Pretoria last year – has returned to South Africa after suffering a concussion against the Italians.

Franco Mostert was not considered for selection because of his disciplinary hearing this week. On Wednesday, the second row’s red card against Italy was overturned, but South Africa say they did not want the outcome of his hearing to impact the team’s preparations.

RG Snyman, who plays alongside the bulk of the Ireland team at Leinster, will earn his 50th Springboks Test cap off the bench.

“The majority of this team were rested last week to ensure that they recover from the physically taxing match against France, and it was always our plan to name an experienced outfit against Ireland,” said Erasmus.

South Africa have not won in Dublin since 2012, suffering defeats in 2014, 2017 and 2022.

“This group of players have never won a match in Ireland before, so we know how tough it’s going to be to win here, and that will certainly motivate us,” added Erasmus.

“It will take a colossal effort, but we are excited about the challenge, and we know that we have to be razor sharp in all departments to get the desired result.”