RG Snyman hits 50 as Erasmus loads up full-strength Springboks for Dublin clash

Towering lock RG Snyman will celebrate his 50th Test cap on Saturday, and he’ll do it in a tour-defining clash as Rassie Erasmus rolls out the strongest Springbok side available for their showdown with Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

With the stakes high and momentum and an unbeaten tour on the line, Erasmus has recalled his top combinations to take on an Irish side the Boks haven’t beaten on their own turf since 2012. 

Most of the big guns were rested against Italy last week to ensure fresh legs and dialed minds for this weekend’s duel, and Erasmus has now restored the core of the team that overpowered France 32–17 a fortnight ago.

Snyman’s milestone adds extra weight to the occasion, as he becomes the third squad member to hit a major milestone on the November tour after captain Siya Kolisi earned his 100th cap and Erasmus celebrated his 50th as head coach in the victory over the French.

There are only two personnel changes in the matchday 23. Lock Ruan Nortjé steps up from the bench to start, taking over from Lood de Jager in the second row, while Kwagga Smith returns to the bench to fill Nortje’s spot among the replacements.

The final tweak comes in the backline, where Canan Moodie shifts from centre against Italy back to his familiar wing role, covering for Kurt-Lee Arendse, who has returned home after suffering a concussion.

With Snyman hitting 50, the front-liners restored, and a sold-out Aviva awaiting, the Springboks have made their intentions clear: they’re going all-in for a statement win in Dublin.

“The majority of this team were rested last week to ensure that they recover from the physically taxing match against France, and it was always our plan to name an experienced outfit against Ireland,” said Erasmus.

“Most of these players have faced Ireland in Dublin, as well as in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Castle Lager Incoming Series, so they understand the magnitude of this challenge and what to expect from the hosts. So, we believe this is the right group of players for this match.”

Springboks XV

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 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.

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