Ireland and Springboks Prepare for Clash Amidst Team Selection Speculation
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Ireland and South Africa are both finalizing team selections as they prepare too face each other next week, following recent matches that offered glimpses into potential lineups and strategic approaches. The Irish are also gearing up for an immediate test against Australia, with significant discussion surrounding key player positions and injury recovery.
IrelandS Backline Puzzle and U20s Action
The selection debate within the Irish camp centers around the backline,notably the roles of key players recovering from injury.According to speculation, Robbie Henshaw is expected to shift to the outside center position (13) from inside center (12), replacing Tom Farrell, though this is not intended as a reflection on Farrell’s contribution. Stuart McCloskey has recovered from an adductor strain and is available for selection, having demonstrated strong form in a recent match despite a disappointing team result in Chicago.
Furthermore, the decision to start Sam Prendergast at fly-half is not viewed as a negative assessment of Jack Crowley’s performance against Japan, but rather an opportunity to provide both outhalves with valuable experience in high-stakes Test matches.This could lead to a powerful backrow featuring Jack Conan at number eight and Ryan Baird at blindside flanker. Tadhg Furlong and dan Sheehan are anticipated to return to the starting front row, alongside scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.
Meanwhile, the Ireland men’s U20s team is preparing for a challenge match against South Africa on Friday at Virgin Media Park. Head Coach Andrew Bro
Springboks Announce Team to Face Italy
Munster’s Jean Kleyn will feature in his first match since the 2023 rugby World Cup Final, partnering with Franco Mostert in the second row. Captain Siya Kolisi will continue at number six, alongside Ben-Jason Dixon and marco van Staden at number eight.
The backline also sees significant changes, with Morne van den Berg and Handre Pollard forming the halfback partnership, and Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe on the wings. Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie will form a physical center pairing, with Damian Willemse at fullback. Notably, Marco van Staden will serve as the back-up hooker, having trained in the position at the World Cup.
Springbok Team to Face Italy:
- Forwards: Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar, zachary Porthen, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden.
- Backs: Morne van den Berg, Handre Pollard, Kurt-Lee arendse, Canan Moodie, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse.
- Replacements: Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Ruan Nortje, Andre Esterhuizen, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie libbok.
Erasmus acknowledged Italy’s recent form, particularly their victory against Australia, and expects a challenging match. “Their victory against Australia will also boost their confidence immensely, so we have a lot of respect for them, and we’ll have to give everything to get the result we want on the weekend,” he stated.
Doris at Openside? A Recurring Discussion
A point of discussion among Irish rugby observers is the potential for captain Caelan Doris to play at openside flanker. Its been noted that Doris wore the number seven jersey in World Cup warm-up and Six Nations matches against Italy in both August 2023 and February 2024. This tactical shift could add another dimension to the Irish backrow.
As Ireland prepares to host south Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday week, these team selection considerations and recent performances will undoubtedly shape the strategies and expectations for both sides.
