Ireland team: Andy Farrell makes latest big fly-half call for Springboks showdown as star duo return from injury
Sam Prendergast has been handed Ireland’s fly-half reins by Andy Farrell for their huge encounter against the Springboks at the Aviva Stadium this weekend.
Jack Crowley began the month as the country’s number one but, just like what happened last year, he has been usurped midway through the November campaign.
Prendergast will therefore line up alongside his Leinster team-mate Jamison Gibson-Park in the decision-making positions as they seek to end South Africa’s unbeaten end-of-year tour.
The young pivot had a fine game last Saturday but the world champions will no doubt look to test his defensive resolve.
Him and Gibson-Park are joined in the backline by a different Ireland centre partnership in Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, who returns from injury. Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw drop out of the 23.
The back three remains the same, however, as Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe retain their spots after a promising outing against the Wallabies last weekend.
Captain switches position
Another change from that 46-19 hammering sees captain Caelan Doris move back to his favoured position of number eight, which allows Josh van der Flier to come in at openside flanker after recovering from injury.
Ryan Baird once again starts at blindside with Jack Conan dropping to the bench after struggling to impose himself against Australia.
Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan continue at lock but there is one alteration in the front-row with Andrew Porter coming in ahead of Paddy McCarthy at loosehead prop.
McCarthy is there among the replacements this weekend and he is joined by Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Conan as the forward reinforcements, while Craig Casey, Crowley and Tom Farrell cover the backline.
“South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively,” head coach Farrell said.
“The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home.
“There’s familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025.”
Ireland team to take on the Springboks
Ireland: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell
Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 17:40 GMT (19:40 SAST)
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (RFU), Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
FPRO: Dan Jones (RFU)