Picking the Ireland team we reckon can take down the Springboks this weekend
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Bok showdown.
Ireland and the Springboks are set to clash once again this weekend in arguably the pick of the November internationals, with plenty on the line.
The two sides have built up quite the rivalry over the last few seasons, with Ireland getting the upper hand, but it’s the Boks who are back-to-back World Champions.
Andy Farrell’s side struggled in their opening two games before things finally started to click last weekend, with a record win over Australia in Dublin.
Selection-wise, there are some big decisions to make this weekend, with fly-half selection once again set to make headlines.
For us, Sam Prendergast was excellent at times against the Wallabies, but his defensive frailties continue to be a real area of concern, and that’s something that the Boks would take real advantage of.
As a result, Jack Crowley should be the man in the 10 jersey this weekend, having proved on a number of occasions this season that he is an excellent defender.
Elsewhere, Mack Hansen was fantastic at fullback against Australia, scoring a hat-trick, while being an absolute menace in the air – something that could be a real advantage against South Africa.
You’ve also got Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier back in full training, and with their experience, there’s no reason they can’t slot straight back in.
Here’s the side we would pick this weekend.
Ireland vs South Africa (Proposed)
15. Mack Hansen
14. Tommy O’Brien
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Jack Crowley
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Tadgh Beirne
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (c)
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Robbie Henshaw
