Ireland v South Africa: Andy Farrell upset by ‘loaded questions’ about fly-half Sam Prendergast

Speaking about an hour before Farrell’s squad was confirmed, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said he felt that despite perceptions, there was a “rigor” to the Prendergast match.

“He’s a big guy, he always seems to want the ball in his hands, and he’s got guts,” Erasmus said.

“I think people talk about his tackling, that there might be a weakness there, but I saw him give his best effort and he’s a big lad, and he looks very fit.

“I read a little bit about his background, and I think he has a toughness about him.”

South Africa had not beaten Ireland in Dublin since 2012 but went into Saturday’s match in excellent form, with a 32-17 win over Six Nations champions France in Paris a particularly eye-catching result given Loude de Jager’s first-half red card.

Farrell sees Saturday’s clash with the back-to-back World Cup winners as a tough test for his side in their final game before the 2026 Six Nations.

“We’ve talked a lot about resilience in our game over the 18 months and there have been some lessons learned from that along the way, which was very good last week,” he said.

“I assume that will be fully tested this weekend. So I don’t think we’re just learning about individuals. We’re learning about our game and how we’re going to progress that over the next couple of years.”

Farrell added that matching the Springboks’ sheer physicality will be key for his side on Saturday.

“It has to be a given, because if you don’t show up in that state of mind, you’ll be taking a step backwards immediately,” he added.

“It’s a certainty in any single Test match, that’s for sure. But it’s certainly been highlighted even more so against the best team in the world at this moment in time.”

“What is part of their DNA has been part of their DNA all along and is improving – their collision work and their carry in contact areas.

“So, if you don’t show up for that, you’re going to have a tough afternoon.”