South Africa are in town this weekend, as Ireland attempt to topple the defending world champions once again on home soil.

The Springboks have not won in Dublin since 2012, and it remains the final hurdle to topple for Rassie Erasmus as head coach.

Having seen his team rediscover some form against Australia last week, there were some big team selection calls facing Andy Farrell this week.

Recommended

READ HERE: Gordon D’Arcy Accuses South Africa Of Using Donald Trump Tactics Ahead Of Ireland Clash

READ HERE: Andrew Trimble Worries Sam Prendergast Will Not Improve In Key Area That “Weakens” Ireland

Ireland v South Africa team news
When will the teams be named for Ireland v South Africa?

Andy Farrell will name his Ireland team to face South Africa at lunchtime on Thursday.

 

Ireland team v South Africa – Who’s in?

Reports circulating from the Irish rugby press pack on Wednesday evening suggest Sam Prendergast will be named at outhalf when Farrell names his team Thursday.

The 42’s Murray Kinsella wrote that Prendergast is expected to start against the Boks. It’s a fascinating call from Farrell, given the size of Springboks pack. Prendergast put in his best performance in months against Australia but Saturday looks set to be another new chapter in Irish rugby’s most contentious discourse.

Kinsealla also says Bundee Aki is likely to start in the centre alongside Garry Ringrose. Josh van der Flier is also set to make his first Ireland appearance since Chicago, while Andrew Porter is likely to reclaim his place as Ireland’s starting loosehead prop.

Ireland team v South Africa – Who’s out?
Stuart McCloskey Ireland Australia15 November 2025; Stuart McCloskey of Ireland leaves the field with an injury during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Unfortunately for Stuart McCloskey, a recurrence of his groin injury means that he will miss the Springboks game.

McCloskey is the only Ireland player who featured v Australia who has been ruled out of this Saturday’s test.

 

How to watch Ireland v South Africa?

Ireland v the Springboks kicks off at 5:40pm on Saturday evening. All tickets for the game are sold out.

The game will be broadcast live on both RTÉ 2 and TNT Sports 1. RTÉ’s coverage begins at 4:30pm. TNT are on air at 5:30pm, shortly after coverage of Wales v New Zealand concludes from Cardiff.

SEE ALSO: Long-Standing Jersey Complaint To Be Rectified Against Springboks