Ireland vs South Africa: The Irish make four changes as the Springboks remember the big guns

After making changes to his squad during last week’s win over Italy, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus recalled several key players, including midfielder Sascha Weinberg-Mngomezulu, midfielder Damian De Allende and second row Eben Etzeth.

The Erasmus squad shows two changes from the impressive 32-17 win over France in Paris two weeks ago, with Rowan Nortje and Kanan Modi replacing Load de Jager and Kurt Le Arendse.

De Jager was suspended after receiving a red card against France, while Arendse – who scored a try against Ireland in Pretoria last year – returned to South Africa after suffering concussion against the Italians.

Franco Mostert was not selected due to the disciplinary hearing held this week. On Wednesday, the second row’s red card against Italy was overturned, but South Africa says it does not want the outcome of the hearing to affect the team’s preparations.

RG Snyman, who plays alongside the bulk of the Irish squad at Leinster, will collect his 50th Springboks Test cap off the bench.

“The majority of this team was rested last week to ensure they recovered from the physically grueling game against France, and our plan was always to pick an experienced team against Ireland,” Erasmus said.

South Africa has not achieved a win in Dublin since 2012, and suffered defeats in 2014, 2017 and 2022.

Erasmus added: “This group of players have never won a game in Ireland before, so we know how difficult it is to win here, and that will definitely motivate us.”

“It will take a tremendous effort, but we are excited about this challenge, and we know that we have to be sharp in all departments to get the desired result.”