Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland matchday squad for Saturday’s clash against South Africa at a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
Kick-off is at 19:40 (SA time).
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Captain Caelan Doris leads the side from the back row as Farrell’s side welcome the Springboks to Dublin for what will be Ireland’s final Test of 2025.
Mack Hansen continues at fullback, with Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe either side of him on the wings.
New centre pairing
There is a new centre pairing for Ireland this week as Bundee Aki partners the fit-again Garry Ringrose, with Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park continuing in the halfbacks.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are the starting front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, as Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris complete the Ireland starting team in the back row.
Options on the bench
Farrell has strong options on the bench with Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell provide the backline reinforcements.
Commenting ahead of Saturday, Andy Farrell said: “South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend.
“Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively.
“The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home.
“There’s familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025.”
While the Test is Ireland’s final match of the year, the Springboks will take on Wales in Cardiff the weekend thereafter.
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TEAMS
Ireland
15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell
South Africa
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok
Date: Saturday, 22 November
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 19:40 (SA time)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
