Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa v Ireland, a first-ever World Cup meeting with plenty at stake

This is a heavyweight clash at the Rugby World Cup, and their first-ever World Cup meeting. Never before have the two best teams in rugby faced each other in a World Cup pool match. On Saturday at 19:00 GMT, the Stade de France will host Ireland against South Africa. It is a treat for rugby fans.

The No. 1 side against the reigning world champions

South Africa, three-time world champions, have been impressive since the start of the World Cup, but they have a tough task in their third match in Pool B. The Springboks will have to raise their level to get past this Irish side, ranked No. 1 in the world and dominant at this World Cup.

After wins over Romania (82-8) and Tonga (59-16), Ireland top Pool B ahead of South Africa. The Irish scored 20 tries in their first two matches, helping them build a points difference of +117. South Africa are one point behind after failing to pick up a bonus point in their 18-3 win over Scotland. This will be the first World Cup meeting between the two sides.

South Africa name a heavyweight side

For this decisive match, both teams will field their best players. After picking a heavily rotated side for the 76-0 rout of Romania, South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has recalled his front-line stars for this clash. 14 of the 15 players who beat Scotland in the opening match will start. Only hooker Malcolm Marx will be missing. He is out for the rest of the tournament with an injury.

On the bench, the South African management have picked seven forwards among the eight replacements, so there will be just one back among the substitutes. South Africa's game will be built on physicality and direct confrontation, a strategy that has already proved its worth. "The reason we opted for a 7-1 bench is that we believe it is the best way to get a result," Jacques Nienaber said. "It worked well for that specific match (against the New Zealanders). The bench had a big impact, and not just in that game but against Scotland too."

https://twitter.com/Springboks/status/1704174816390009312

South Africa, however, lack a top-level goalkicker, unlike Ireland. Ireland rely on Jonathan Sexton, an exceptional kicker. The 36-year-old fly-half broke the record for points scored by an Irishman at international level (1090) in the match against Tonga. Ireland have made just one change to the side that beat Tonga in Nantes last week: Jamison Gibson-Park replaces Conor Murray at scrum-half.

Coaches relishing the occasion

Rugby fans can't wait for this clash. Head coach Jacque Nienaber is the same. "I wouldn't say I'm nervous, I'm looking forward to it," the Boks coach told a press conference. "It will be a real test match. It's the No. 1 side against the world champions. It will be a clash between two experienced, composed teams, two very well-rounded teams."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is counting on the fans to help bring down the Rainbow Nation. "Our journey has been all sorts and it prepares you for games like this. I suppose we'll learn a little more after this one too. There will be more than 30,000 Irish supporters in a stadium we know well and we want to go back there and get back to winning ways. It's a challenge we're ready for, that we're looking forward to, and it's coming soon."

A tough quarter-final awaits the loser

Ireland, winners of the latest Six Nations, have been top of world rugby since July 2022. The Irish are on 15 straight wins. But the XV of the Shamrock's 14-month reign could be under threat as early as Saturday. South Africa could close in on top spot in the world rankings with a win over the Irish. That looks a tough task, since Ireland have won seven of their last 11 Tests against South Africa. The losers of this clash will also face France, the tournament hosts, in the quarter-final.