Overview
- Ireland named Sam Prendergast at fly-half again with Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki in midfield, Josh van der Flier restored at openside, and Andrew Porter back at loosehead.
- Stuart McCloskey is out with a groin issue, Mack Hansen remains at fullback after a hat-trick against Australia, and Jack Crowley provides No 10 cover from the bench.
- South Africa brought back most regular starters, promoting Ruan Nortje for the suspended Lood de Jager, shifting Canan Moodie to wing, and listing RG Snyman on the bench for a potential 50th cap.
- Franco Mostert’s red card from the Italy match was rescinded but he was not selected, and Erasmus underscored his desire to end a winless coaching record in Dublin.
- Ireland have won four of the past five meetings and the Boks have not won at the Aviva since 2012, with Saturday’s match (referee Matthew Carley) kicking off in Dublin ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations build-up.