Ireland v South Africa - 22/11/2025

[OllyM97]

This is the one thing that Rassie and this Boks team haven’t achieved yet - a win against Ireland in Dublin. Will they do it this weekend?. I think SA will win but Ireland will front up and give them a good game. The Irish have a good record against the Boks but I wouldn’t say they’re back yet off the back of hammering an average Wallabies side. Ireland to play well, but ultimately get overpowered late on. 28-18 SA.

 

[Demfad]

This is the one thing that Rassie and this Boks team haven't achieved yet - a win against Ireland in Dublin. Will they do it this weekend?. I think SA will win but Ireland will front up and give them a good game. The Irish have a good record against the Boks but I wouldn't say they're back yet off the back of hammering an average Wallabies side. Ireland to play well, but ultimately get overpowered late on. 28-18 SA.

Could be. Ireland will have a plan and their style tends to upset SA.
Another factor is that SA are at the end of a punishing International Window and after two matches with 14, albeit with some rotation.
SA will get the best out of the physical and emotional reserves left but the ceiling will be lower compared to the French match.
I think SA will have enough but may have to come from behind in this one and win late.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Ireland to win in the funniest manner possible.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

IRELAND (possible): M Hansen; T O’Brien, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird, J van der Flier, C Doris (capt).

Replacements: R Kelleher, P McCarthy, T Clarkson, C Prendergast, J Conan, C Casey, J Crowley, R Henshaw.

Thornley team, seems a step back on last week in many ways. I liked the backrow, I liked the rotation. I do see the merit in Crowley being a better sub than Prendergast and not a better starter but I think Jack earned this test window. That said, Faz knows better than me. Would be surprised if we win but won't be going without hope, haven't seen Ireland lose to South Africa for 14 years live.

 

[Ddanno]

**** em UP IRELAND!

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Ive always thought Mack Hansen should play at fullback with his handling and playmaking ability.

 

[munstermuffin]

IRELAND (possible): M Hansen; T O'Brien, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird, J van der Flier, C Doris (capt).

Replacements: R Kelleher, P McCarthy, T Clarkson, C Prendergast, J Conan, C Casey, J Crowley, R Henshaw.

Thornley team, seems a step back on last week in many ways. I liked the backrow, I liked the rotation. I do see the merit in Crowley being a better sub than Prendergast and not a better starter but I think Jack earned this test window. That said, Faz knows better than me. Would be surprised if we win but won't be going without hope, haven't seen Ireland lose to South Africa for 14 years live.

Back on I am. Being honest the 10 debate all around is boring these days. (Not saying you are starting it here by the way) Think SP starting is right call. Sam is poor defending but excellent starting so will be assisted by a freshed VDF and Aki. When bodies tire, and against "bomb squad", Jack will hold his own in 10 channel.
Big worry is lineout, if we lose a lock early, Aki @12 and can we simply just match them physically.

I do feel though the performance is key in the crossroads for this Irish team. The Aus game was a p!$$ take as they were red raw useless. No way to call it any differently so we still don't know where we are.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

South Africa team: Damian Willemse; Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Boan Venter, Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit; Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje; Siya Kolisi (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese.

Replacements: Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.

 

[ShropshireAllBlack]

All the cards are stacked in favour of SA, and only the most optimistic of Irish fans will predict an Irish win this weekend. Hopefully we will build on the Oz game, and while we will lose, we’ll do enough to show that we’re rebuilding…..

Reading this again, I realise that I’m beginning to think like a Welsh supporter!

 

[Brown Bottle]

...

Reading this again, I realise that I'm beginning to think like a Welsh supporter!

Ireland really haven't reached that point!

 

[big ginger 8]

Apparently Hansen has a finger injury but is expected to start. Not ideal when we're expecting a to use a lot of high balls.

Henshaw is injured.

Would have liked a bit more experimentation with using certain players on the bench such as starting McCarthy and Doris at 7 to give us options at the end. Conan and Prendergast are similar skillsets to be coming on as well. Not expecting a win but still relatively optimistic.

 

[AngloScotsHybrid]

Im surprised at the negativity of Irish fans on here. Ireland have got good players and a good winning record. They should be optimistic about beating south africa at home.

 

[Duct Tape]

Remarkably few posts on this thread for such a big match. Perhaps assumptions of outcome have tempered enthusiasm?

 

[wombles]

This is a litmus test for Ireland. There are -quite serious and reasonable- questions that Ireland could be falling back and behind SA, NZ, France and England in world rugby and today is a very strong indication of how true this statement is. Win and it is reasonable to see Ireland as one of the 2026 six nations favourites, lose and you are then looking at France and England being strong favourites, and those from the Emerald Isle wondering if the era of success is now at an end.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

We're away to France and England in the 6n. We've tried a few new things this test window and can do the same in the 6n. We have fallen behind, there has to be a focus to get back by this time next year.

This can't be as bad as France in the 6n but as long as we're solid in parts and front up I wont be too upset.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Just got a weird urge to bet on a draw...

Documenting it in case this is inspired.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah I can delete that post predicting a draw after the fulltime whistle no problem

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah I can delete that post predicting a draw after the fulltime whistle no problem

**** this was meant to be a DM

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

**** this was meant to be a DM

I'll be 500 quid richer and you'll look dumb if it's a draw.

Everyone knows I'm thick as **** anyway so I can't lose.