Jean de Villiers cherished his experiences in Ireland, so he has kindly made himself available whenever I’ve wanted to discuss South African rugby for the past 15 years. Our initial conversation took place in 2009 during his time at Munster. He contributed to the Springboks’ victory over the British & Irish Lions and their triumph in the Tri Nations, before flying to Ireland.
De Villiers was originally scheduled for a break from international rugby but was called upon by Pieter de Villiers due to an injury to Adi Jacobs. Four days prior to the Boks’ match against Ireland at Croke Park, the centre departed from the Munster camp and reunited with his former teammates.
“Ireland has consistently been a challenging opponent for us,” de Villiers acknowledges, “particularly since that try scored by my good friend Ronan O’Gara in 2004! I believe we have only secured victories there in 2010 and 2012, within the last 21 years.”
“I hold a deep affection for Ireland and have always appreciated my time there and returning. The connections I maintain with my former Munster colleagues are incredibly valuable to me. The highlights for me, over the past three weeks, have been seeing my old friend Barry Murphy singing Ireland’s Call in Chicago and the national anthem, in Dublin. That tops it all.”
South African rugby journalist and Lekker Rugby Pod host, Harry Jones, will be present in Dublin for Saturday’s game. Having followed the Boks extensively across the globe in recent decades, he expresses confidence in Rassie Erasmus’ team as they face an Ireland side currently in good form. This confidence is amplified by Ireland’s decision to retain Sam Prendergast in the No. 10 jersey.
“I recall even walking alongside him in the tunnel in Cape Town,” Jones recounts. “He appears awkward – like a young horse that hasn’t yet found its footing. That presents an easy target for players such as Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese. They’ll sense vulnerability, and Sam will have a significant target on his back.”
With both Erasmus and Andy Farrell announcing formidable starting XVs, here’s what the opposition experts – Jean, Harry, and myself – think about both team selections.
Ireland
Andrew Porter
“A high-caliber player. I would have considered Porter as a more potent attacking option, particularly to finish the game. Increasingly, coaches are opting to select their optimal 15 to conclude a match. I’d be interested in seeing Porter in that capacity.” (HJ)
Dan Sheehan
“An exceptional player. He and Malcolm Marx share similar characteristics and possess a strong physical presence. Both demonstrate accuracy with their throws, possess strong scrummaging ability, and exhibit significant work ethic around the field, whether carrying or tackling. He’s superb. One of the primary individuals South Africa will aim to contain.” (JdV)
“Sheehan, with his stature and athleticism, undoubtedly presents a different type of hooker compared to individuals like Julian Montoya. He’s a tall, graceful, powerful runner with excellent hands. He can lead a pod and fulfill all his essential responsibilities. In my opinion, he isn’t the gritty, super-scrummager type, like Montoya or Malcolm Marx. You can position Sheehan in the tramlines, but he operates similarly to Robbie Henshaw. He reminds me of a Schalk Brits.” (HJ)
Tadhg Furlong
“Still their premier player. Is he performing at his absolute peak? No. I believe he’s past that point, but the decline doesn’t appear to be rapid. Regardless of any reduction in dynamism or open-field carries, he remains the go-to guy who knows how to resolve issues during a game. If the scrum is faltering, you observe everyone, including Porter, turning to Tadhg for solutions.” (HJ)
James Ryan
“Ryan possesses sneaky physicality and is a very forceful player, within the rules. Ireland excels at maximizing their strengths. They recognize they cannot overpower Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje, so they will approach attacking them in alternative ways.” (HJ)
Tadhg Beirne
“The one positive element from Munster’s perspective – having Tadhg in the team consistently. He undertakes a significant amount of unseen labor, exhibiting a high work rate and output. Irrespective of whether he’s positioned at lock or loose forward, he consistently performs effectively.” (JdV)
“More like a sizable flanker, compact lock. Elusive. He always appears to be on the verge of exhaustion, but never actually is. He’s somewhat like Tyson Fury in that regard. You think, ‘He’s about to collapse, he’s about to collapse…’ yet he remains standing!” (HJ)
Ryan Baird
“Alongside Doris, van der Flier, and Conan, you possess, in my opinion, an exceptional loose forward trio. However, Ryan has successfully forced his way into the mix and demonstrated strong performance against Australia – making significant contributions in the lineouts. There’s some valuable depth being developed there.” (JdV)
“Bernard Jackman informed me that Baird consistently scored highly across all metrics. If you were solely assessing athleticism, wingspan, speed off the ground, and meters-per-second, the coaches hold him in high regard. The primary factor that has consistently hindered him is his tendency towards distraction – gazing at a cloud in the sky or a spectator in row five. Which is unlike Peter O’Mahony, correct? Therefore, you’re substituting O’Mahony – someone with unwavering and intense focus – and I don’t believe that’s Baird. Not yet, at least. However, what you gain is a genuine athlete, with exceptional reach, which is crucial in lineouts and when stretching to score. We are simply seeking to determine if he can endure the grind.” (HJ)
Josh van der Flier
“It’s intriguing to consider the current dynamic between van der Flier and Farrell. There was no attempt to conceal the decision that Tom Curry is superior, and perhaps even Jac Morgan. He’s an understated player for Ireland. Despite receiving the World Rugby Player of the Year award, the acclaim never truly stuck to him. But I would opt to start him against the Boks as he is your point of difference. We don’t possess a true openside flanker; Siya Kolisi doesn’t play in that style, and Andre Esterhuizen and Kwagga Smith are on the bench. If Josh can provide Ireland with a solid 60 minutes, it could be decisive. He’s capable of maneuvering into tight spaces, absorbing hits from players like Eben, and emerging unscathed. You’ve secured some narrow victories against us in recent years, largely due to your success at the breakdown.” (HJ)
Caelan Doris
“Another individual, like Sheehan, who has made a strong return from injury and assumed a significant leadership position. I was particularly interested in his selection at openside against Australia, and his contest with Fraser McReight around the breakdown. He performed exceptionally well.” (JdV)
“In my opinion, he is the team’s best player. Superior to Sheehan. If Doris is in my squad, regardless of the team, I would select him before anyone else. I would start him at No. 8, ahead of Jasper Wiese. I’m not aware of any No. 8s currently playing who are better than him. He’s superior to Gregory Alldritt, Ben Earl, and anyone else. He is the benchmark.” (HJ)
Jamison Gibson-Park
“He’s the pivotal player. As demonstrated against Australia, he’s returning to form – accelerating the game’s pace, capitalizing on opportunities when in possession, and making sound judgments whether passing, running, or kicking. He’s at his peak.” (JdV)
“A fantastic player. My personal opinion, which may be controversial, is that he will struggle this weekend. The speed at which the Boks are playing at No. 9, coupled with certain rule adjustments aimed at protecting the No. 9, are likely to expose him… Ireland’s loose forwards will need to shield him, or Jamison will be forced back into a sweeper role. He’ll then discover that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu possesses a peculiar, uncanny ability to locate the sweeper. As does Damian Willemse. Gibson-Park is among the finest scrum-halves of this era, but that marginal loss of pace, even in comparison to someone like Craig Casey, is definitely a consideration that needs to be addressed. (HJ)
Sam Prendergast
“From an offensive standpoint, Prendergast poses a significant threat. Examining how Ireland has gained an advantage over opponents in recent years reveals the importance of continuity, rapid ruck ball, and effective decision-making between the No. 9 and No. 10. It appears that Prendergast excels in these areas.” (JdV)
“I’m happier to see Sam start. Despite his talents, it was evident when Sam played against the Stormers in the opening round of the URC that he was exposed. There was a deliberate effort to run directly at him. Until he gains an additional 5kgs and adjusts his positioning in the tackle, this will continue to occur. (HJ)
James Lowe
“For me, he ranks just behind Gibson-Park in terms of importance. I believe he’s sometimes underestimated in terms of his contribution to the squad. His ability to exit so effectively, with his powerful left boot, is invaluable. He rarely kicks the ball dead. He keeps it alive through his strength and offloading. He’s also a fantastic finisher.” (JdV)
“You need to have Lowe in your team, especially in Hugo Keenan’s absence. He’s your designated clearance kicker and the player who ensures ‘we play in the right areas.’ In Pretoria in 2024, he essentially handed us the game. He’s capable of winning or losing a game for you. He attempts to do too much. He’s similar to Kurtley Beale for Australia. You find yourself thinking, ‘You didn’t need to do that much.’ (HJ)
Bundee Aki
“A commendable, sincere player. He invariably gives his all. I comprehend why he typically elicits the loudest cheers from the Irish crowd upon being announced. I recall witnessing Ireland’s victory over England in Dublin earlier this year, and Aki appeared to be the team’s leader. Even if he’s lost some of his lateral speed, he’s undoubtedly a player who never surrenders.” (HJ)
Garry Ringrose
“He’s significantly underestimated and undervalued. He’s incredibly strong defensively, consistently makes accurate reads, and exercises good judgment. He’s a high-quality player.” (JdV)
“He possesses resolute shoulders. He’s the player in the Irish backline that I fear the most, because he has genuinely absorbed the Jacques Nienaber system. Nienaber would have imparted considerable knowledge to him regarding how to play against that system. Although the Boks aren’t strictly adhering to the Three Bs – Big Hit, Barge, and Blitz – the essence remains. Ringrose has become highly adept at playing ferocious rugby. He can deliver jarring hits and execute those man-and-ball tackles. His contest against Jesse Kriel promises to be compelling.” (HJ)
Tommy O’Brien
“I would welcome the opportunity to see more of him. It’s challenging to offer a definitive assessment, but I know he possesses speed, and when given space, he exhibits exceptional fluidity. He appears confident. I’m looking forward to watching him perform live.” (HJ)
Mack Hansen
“Another important player for Ireland’s kicking game. He was outstanding against Australia.” (JdV)
“Mack Hansen reminds me of a player like Ben Smith from New Zealand. You’d often think, ‘That guy is incredibly fortunate. He always scores lucky tries. He consistently finds himself in the right position.’ That’s not chance. When it occurs that frequently, you recognize that Hansen possesses a keen understanding of the game, excellent spatial awareness, and exceptional elusiveness.” (HJ)
South Africa
Boan Venter
Seemingly conjured directly from the earth at age 25 – bearded, bearing gnarled ears, and prepared to scrummage. Not a name that inspires apprehension, but will pose a difficult challenge for Furlong at the scrum for the initial 30 or so minutes, with the objective of weakening him.
Malcolm Marx
A remarkable player. One of my preferred players to observe. Rassie prefers to distribute playing time among his forwards, but I understand why he is frequently inclined to prolong Marx’s time on the field as much as possible.
Thomas du Toit
An absolute behemoth, adhering to the traditional South African mold. Purpose-built to generate seismic activity from scrum to scrum.
Eben Etzebeth
Among the very best in contemporary rugby. A towering figure, difficult to halt once in motion. Somewhat surprisingly, like several of his Bok teammates, he has encountered difficulties during visits to Dublin. He was notably flattened by Iain Henderson in a 38-3 defeat back in 2017.
Ruan Nortje
A persistent nuisance, in the most positive sense. He has frequently created issues for the Irish provinces in the URC. Nonetheless, I would be more concerned if I observed Franco Mostert or (the suspended) Lood de Jager in a Bok starting XV.
Siya Kolisi
While I hesitate to say this, he seems to have lost some of his brilliance in recent years. Somewhat akin to Maro Itoje in terms of his unwavering, disruptive qualities. He inserts his limbs, and his head, into areas where others fear to tread. He hasn’t completed a Test match in a year (nine games and counting) but is fulfilling the expectations placed upon him for the collective benefit.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
I felt he deserved to win World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023, when Ardie Savea was awarded the honor. Nonetheless, he possesses sufficient individual and team achievements to compensate for it. A remarkably troublesome individual.
Jasper Wiese
Duane Vermeulen invariably provided a heart-stopping experience, even as time advanced. In my assessment, Wiese is more of a reliable but less captivating No. 8. He performed adequately in the Lions Test Series, but Caelan Doris has surpassed him in their two significant encounters to date.
Cobus Reinach
His emergence to prominence over the past two years should encourage Caolin Blade, who possesses a similar physique, to persevere in his efforts. He garnered considerable support, and empathy, in Ireland (and elsewhere) after playing impressively at the World Cup amidst death threats, only to be unfairly dropped for the final. His shared role with Grant Williams is progressing smoothly.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
A player many Irish supporters would prefer to see falter, for the apparent reason that it would hinder the Boks, and due to the amount of attention he receives. However, upon witnessing him play, all such sentiments dissipate in the sheer delight and audacity of his performances.
Cheslin Kolbe
A pleasure to watch. A nightmare to contain. I’m particularly eager to observe him competing against Tommy O’Brien.
Damian de Allende
Still held in high regard from his time at Munster. Not the type of player to dismantle an opposing defense single-handedly, but capable of delivering when it truly matters.
Jesse Kriel
More than just a sculpted physique. I have always appreciated him as a player but didn’t necessarily mind seeing him on an opposing team-sheet. That perspective has changed since 2023, as he has become a work-horse. He has a habit of appearing at crucial moments with significant plays.
Canan Moodie
The South African equivalent of Jamie Osborne. Take that as the compliment it is meant to be. I would be more wary of facing Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing, but Moodie has demonstrated his ability to stand, engage, and dissect you.
Damian Willemse
I was deeply offended when Harry Jones remarked that Willemse was the type of fullback Hugo Keenan could only aspire to be. I would still dispute that assertion – in a court of law, if necessary – but Willemse is exceptionally dependable. He performed excellently against Italy and in the victory over New Zealand in Wellington.
