The big one.

Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign kicks into gear this weekend as they get set to take on the reigning world champions, the Springboks.

Both sides are two from two heading into this mammoth clash, with the winners like to top Pool B and avoid a meeting with hosts France in the quarter-final stages of the competition following their win over the All Blacks in the opening round.

Ireland are in pretty good shape heading into the game, with Dan Sheehan on track to return. Finlay Bealham is a doubt following his head bang on Saturday, while a lack of minutes will likely rule Jack Conan out as he continues his recovery.

Elsewhere, head coach Andy Farrell has a full team to select from and we’ve had a go at picking the side we reckon he should go with. Let us know if you agree with us or not in the comments.

Possible Ireland team vs Springboks

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Mack Hansen
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Jamison Gibson-Park

1. Andrew Porter
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. James Ryan
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan
17. Dave Kilcoyne
18. Tom O’Toole
19. Iain Henderson
20. Ryan Baird
21. Conor Murray
22. Jack Crowley
23. Robbie Henshaw