The Stats Zone
September 22 2023, 13:18 · Ash Wheldon

South Africa vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2023 Rugby World Cup | Pool Stage

South Africa vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2023 Rugby World Cup | Pool Stage

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THE FACTS

When is South Africa vs Ireland on and what time does it start? South Africa vs Ireland will take place on Saturday 23rd September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)

Where is South Africa vs Ireland taking place? South Africa vs Ireland will take place at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France

Where can I get tickets for South Africa vs Ireland? Click here for the latest ticket information for South Africa vs Ireland

What channel is South Africa vs Ireland on in the UK? South Africa vs Ireland will be televised live on ITV

Where can I stream South Africa vs Ireland in the UK? South Africa vs Ireland can be streamed live on ITVX

THE SQUADS

SOUTH AFRICA

Starting 15: Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach

IRELAND

Starting 15: Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw

THE LOWDOWN

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa ran rampant against Romania as they secured a 76-0 success but a bigger task lies in wait here. The reigning world champions have won their last six matches and will be full of confidence having conceded just three points in their two Rugby World Cup outings to date.

IRELAND

Ireland recorded a 16th consecutive victory as they ran out convincing winners against Tonga last week. The Irish have now amassed 141 points in their two matches but they will be asked more questions in this clash with the world champions.

THE PREDICTION

This is likely to be one of the games of the tournament so far as two of the favourites to land the trophy go head-to-head. Reigning champions South Africa take on an Ireland side that have enjoyed a superb few years and there is very little to split the two here. This could go either way with both able to claim the spoils but the Irish know they can lay down a marker by coming out on top in this contest and having edged the win the last time the teams met in 2022, Andy Farrell’s side are the slight preference to prevail.

BETTING TIP: Ireland to win