Rassie Erasmus set to turn to tried-and-tested Springboks to break Ireland hoodoo in Dublin

The Springboks faced a few tough selection calls ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin, especially after Franco Mostert’s red card was rescinded.

With the match set to play a major role in defining their European tour, every decision matters.

This showdown at the Aviva Stadium is more than just another Test — it’s a crucial measuring point for Rassie Erasmus and his players as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

It will also decide whether the Boks can stay unbeaten on tour, and whether Erasmus can finally claim his first win in Ireland as Springbok coach. The world champions haven’t tasted victory in Dublin since 2012, adding an extra edge to the occasion.

The starting XV is expected to look much like the one that beat France with 14 men a couple of weeks ago.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has earned another shot at flyhalf in what has become a baptism of fire for the young playmaker in Europe. At his side, Cobus Reinach offers the ideal mix of experience and composure to guide him through the contest.

The real backline conundrum lies at outside centre: the reliability and defensive steel of Jesse Kriel, or the youthful spark and unpredictability of Canan Moodie? Kriel’s calm partnership with Damian de Allende brings stability, but pairing De Allende with Moodie could unlock something special. Either way, the Boks have two excellent options.

The back-three is likely to feature the trusted combination of Damian Willemse at fullback, with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings. While Edwill van der Merwe or Ethan Hooker would be bold outside picks, South Africa will probably stick with their strongest unit.

Up front, the picture is clearer.

Captain Siya Kolisi should reunite with Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit in a powerful loose trio, whose work at the breakdown and in defence will be vital. Ruan Nortjé, who has been the Boks’ standout No 5 lock this season, deserves to start and take charge of the lineouts in Lood de Jager’s absence.

Malcolm Marx’s expected return at hooker will be a significant boost — not only for his accuracy at lineout time but also for his ability to disrupt Ireland’s ball at the rucks. Thomas du Toit and Boan Venter have formed a strong partnership in the front row, giving the Boks the platform they need at scrum time.

The bench, however, creates a selection headache.

Fitting in Mostert, Kwagga Smith, André Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden, and RG Snyman will be tricky. Van Staden and Mostert may miss out given their limited minutes on tour, but Snyman — set for his 50th Test and playing at his Leinster home ground — is non-negotiable.

And after Smith’s standout performance against Italy, leaving him out seems almost impossible.

Erasmus will name his squad on Thursday afternoon, and those selected will shoulder the responsibility of chasing a long-awaited victory in Dublin — one that has been 13 years coming.

South Africa (probable): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.

Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 André Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.