Sam Prendergast (left) and Jamison Gibson-Park during Ireland's captain's run at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Sam Prendergast (left) and Jamison Gibson-Park during Ireland’s captain’s run at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

South Africa have been head-hunting this autumn, and we don’t mean their repeat red cards for high tackles.

No, Rassie Erasmus’s men appear to be on a mission to subjugate all their rivals as we pass the midway point of the World Cup cycle. Ireland are next on their list.