Ireland's lineup to face South Africa this upcoming Saturday in Paris was announced on Thursday, and it features scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.
Head Coach Andy Farrell has opted for continuity in the back three, selecting Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe. In a significant milestone, Bundee Aki, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, is poised to earn his 50th Test cap against the reigning world champions. He pairs up with Garry Ringrose for the third consecutive match.
Taking charge of the half-back duties, Jonathan Sexton joins Gibson-Park.
The formidable front row consists of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, and Tadhg Furlong. Dan Sheehan makes his return to the squad but starts on the bench. Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan are the chosen locks for Ireland. Completing the starting XV are Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris.
On the replacements bench, Ireland boasts the talents of David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, and Robbie Henshaw.
The Ireland vs. South Africa clash will take place at the Stade de France on Saturday, September 23, with kick-off at 9pm local time/8pm Irish time.
The lineup that will take on the defending World Champions 💪
The World #1s are ready 💥#RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE | @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/CxyzQdYxWd— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2023
Ireland teamÂ
Fullback 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger 14. Mack Hansen
Centres 13. Garry Ringrose 12. Bundee Aki
Winger 11. James Lowe
Out half 10. Johnny Sexton Scrum half 9. Jamison Gibson-Park
Front row 1. Andrew Porter 2. Ronan Kelleher 3. Tadhg Furlong
Second row 4. Tadhg Beirne 5. James Ryan
Back row 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. Josh van der Flier 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
On Tuesday, Jacques Nienaber, the head coach of the South African national rugby team, announced his squad for the game.
Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende start as the world champions' centres. Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Cheslin Kolbe start in a back three.
Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk start as the country's 9 and 10. Up front, Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, and Frans Malherbe get the nod to start. Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert start as the country's locks.
Siya Kolisi starts as the Bok captain, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese also start in the back row. Meanwhile, Munster's RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn were listed as substitutes, with seven forwards among the replacements and only one back.
South Africa team
Fullback 15. Damian Willemse
Winger 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse
Centres 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Damian de Allende
Winger 11. Cheslin Kolbe
Out half 10. Manie Libbok, Scrum-half 9 Faf de Klerk;
Front row 1.Steven Kitshoff, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Frans Malherbe
Second row 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Franco Mostert
Back row 6.Siya Kolisi (capt), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach.
