Split.

Ireland have named their team to take on the Springboks in their crucial Rugby World Cup Pool B clash on Saturday – but they’ve gone the more traditional route compared to their South Africa counterparts.

The Boks have decided to unleash their 7-1 split of forwards and backs that we saw on display against the All Blacks last month, but Ireland have stuck to the tried and tested 5-3 split that is commonly used by most teams.

There’s been lots of controversy surrounding South Africa’s selection, with some calling their split against the ‘morals’ of rugby – but Ireland boss Andy Farrell has no issues with the Boks selection, and even poked fun at it in his presser today.

“I think it’s great. It obviously suits them,” Farrell said.

“They obviously know their squad and what fits for them and so do we.

“I did pose the question [though] to our forwards coaches, we was going to go with a 7:1 split – seven backs and one forward,

“But they weren’t up for that.”

Farrell went on to further praise South Africa and their overall selection process, and hopes the Boks have the same respect for Ireland.

“I love it [the split]. I respect it,” Farrell added.

“I like the fact that they know their squad, bringing four scrum-halves, a hooker that’s never really played in that specialist position before. It shows that they know their players, know their team, and which direction they want to go.

“Hopefully they think the same about us as well.”