South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus has selected 20 Rugby World Cup winners for the squad to face Ireland in Pretoria. The team includes 12 players who started in the 2023 World Cup final, with scrum-half Faf de Klerk overcoming an injury concern to feature in the starting lineup. Fly-half Handre Pollard, who kicked four penalties in the final against New Zealand, is also set to start.
Among the starters for the match against Ireland are players like full-back Willie le Roux, back row Kwagga Smith, and prop Ox Nche, who all came off the bench in the World Cup final. Only replacements Gerhard Steenekamp, Salmaan Moerat, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu did not feature in the final.
Erasmus expressed confidence in the team selected, highlighting the depth and experience of the squad. He emphasized the presence of Rugby World Cup winners and the familiarity of many players with facing Ireland in previous matches. South Africa aims to secure a victory against Ireland, who are the second-highest ranked team in the world.
Despite missing key players like Makazole Mapimpi and Damian Willemse, South Africa is determined to perform well against Ireland. The Springboks have not beaten Ireland since 2016 and are looking to make a strong start in the Test series. Ireland was the only team to defeat South Africa in the World Cup with a thrilling 13-8 win in the pool stages. Andy Farrell will announce his team for the opening match against South Africa on Thursday.