Rugby fans are set for a thrilling encounter as Ireland host South Africa in a highly anticipated Quilter Nations Series match this weekend. The world champion Springboks arrive in Dublin looking to extend their impressive winning streak against an Irish side buoyed by recent performances.
Match Details and Broadcasting Information
The crucial autumn international is scheduled to kick off at 5.40pm GMT on Saturday 22 November at Dublin's iconic Aviva Stadium. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the action will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with comprehensive coverage beginning from 5.30pm GMT.
Those preferring to stream the match can access live coverage through the discovery+ platform, ensuring fans won't miss a moment of what promises to be a physically demanding contest between two of rugby's heavyweights.
Team News and Selection Decisions
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made some significant selection calls, most notably retaining Sam Prendergast at fly half ahead of Jack Crowley as their competition for the number 10 jersey continues. The backline receives a boost with Garry Ringrose declared fit to partner Bundee Aki in the centres, while Josh van der Flier returns to the flank.
Captain Caelan Doris moves to the base of the scrum, and Andrew Porter regains his starting position at loosehead prop, with Paddy McCarthy providing cover from the bench.
South Africa have reacted to their unconvincing performance against Italy by recalling several first-choice players. Although Franco Mostert was available after having his red card rescinded, he misses selection entirely as Ruan Nortje partners Eben Etzebeth in the second row.
The Springboks have made a surprising change at fly half, where Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu replaces Handre Pollard. Among the replacements, RG Snyman is poised to earn his fiftieth test cap, while Andre Esterhuizen continues in his versatile covering role.
Recent Form and Context
The world champions enter this contest with considerable momentum, having remained unbeaten since their narrow defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park during the Rugby Championship. Their November campaign began successfully with victories over France and Italy, though both matches saw Springboks players dismissed in the first half.
This encounter carries extra significance after the teams split their summer series 1-1 in South Africa, making a victory for Ireland particularly meaningful as they seek to establish their credentials against the world's best.
Confirmed Line-ups:
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 (capt.), 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 Ronan 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 (capt.), 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 Esterhuzen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.
