‘Boks opt for experience in first test against Ireland

Handre Pollard is back at flyhalf after missing the Springboks’ 41-13 win over Wales in London last month. He is the favourite, along with a number of other players who did not play in that match because it fell outside the international window.

Only three players from the Springboks’ squad for Saturday’s match against Ireland were absent from their World Cup victory in France: mainstay Gerhard Steenekamp, ​​regular defender Salmaan Moerat and assistant defender Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

“This is the team that we think will give us the boost we need against Ireland, the second highest ranked team in the world,” said Erasmus.

“We are blessed with such depth in our squad and we are fortunate to have multiple Rugby World Cup winners within our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level.

“The fact that most of these guys have played together before is a plus for us. Also, most of them have played against Ireland before, so they know exactly what the challenge is going to be. Especially since we haven’t beaten them since 2016.”

Erasmus have opted for a 6-2 split between forwards and full-backs on the bench, aided by the versatility of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who can cover at flyhalf, centre and fullback, and Grant Williams, who normally plays as a scrumhalf but can also play on the wing.

Ireland have never won a Test series in South Africa, but were the only team to beat the Springboks at last year’s World Cup, winning 13-8 in Paris before losing to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

Team: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche. Substitutes: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, ​​​​Vincent Koch, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.