The first of an eagerly anticipated two-part test series with South Africa begins on Saturday July 6th. Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's much-anticipated Ireland v South Africa Test match.
This weekend's match will be played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria with the second test a week later at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban as Ireland make their first trip to South Africa in eight years.
The Springboks won the 2016 series, 2-1. The opening test marked Ireland’s first ever victory over the Springboks on South African soil.
Since then, Ireland have won all three meetings between the teams and five of the last seven – most recently the seismic 13-8 success in France in the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Reports suggest that this is South Africa's first full squad outing since being crowned World Champions in October.
Andy Farrell's Irish side have not played since they clinched the Six Nations against Scotland in March, while South Africa returned to action with a comfortable win over Wales at Twickenham in June.
An already intense rivalry has been deepened in recent months with several South Africa fueling the fire while speaking to the media.
The Boks lock Eben Etzebeth attracted headlines when he accused Ireland of being "arrogant" by telling South Africa's players "see you guys in the final" after winning last year's World Cup pool match.
With this being a two-Test tour, the likelihood of a draw increases. But if Ireland can replicate the spirit that underpinned their World Cup victory over the springboks in Paris last year, they stand a chance.
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When Is Ireland v South Africa?
Ireland versus South Africa will take place this Saturday 6th of July at the Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria with kick off at 4:00pm.
Where To Watch Ireland v South Africa?
Live coverage of the game will be shown of Sky Sports Main Event. The coverage will begin from 4pm.
Team News
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named an experienced squad featuring 20 Rugby World Cup winners for their opening Test against Ireland.
Twelve of the starting fifteen for Saturday’s showdown (six forwards and six backs) started in the 12-11 RWC final victory over New Zealand, with the other three (Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche) coming off the bench in the final.
The team shows eight changes to the one that defeated Wales 41-13 in London 10 days ago.
Here it is, your #Springboks match-23 for the highly-anticipated first Test against Ireland in Pretoria - more here: https://t.co/IowLhMqHO3 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/bZoFqXvQuU — Springboks (@Springboks) July 2, 2024
Erasmus told South Africa Rugby's website:
“We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup-winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level and play against the best teams in the world."
Ireland are expected to name their team on Thursday.
