In a bold move that has set tongues wagging across the rugby world, Andy Farrell has passed the fly-half baton to Sam Prendergast for Ireland's titanic clash with the Springboks at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The decision sees Jack Crowley, previously Ireland's top choice for the position, once again sidelined in the November line-up, echoing last year's dramatic shift. Prendergast is set to partner with his Leinster colleague, Jamison Gibson-Park, aiming to snap South Africa's undefeated streak on their year-end tour.
Prendergast's recent performance hinted at his readiness, but the upcoming game against the world champions will truly test his mettle. The defensive skills of both Prendergast and Gibson-Park will be under scrutiny as they face a formidable South African team. They will be supported in the backline by the returning Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, replacing Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw. The wings and fullback positions remain unchanged with Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien, and James Lowe, who all showed promise against the Wallabies.
There’s also a strategic shuffle in the forward pack. Captain Caelan Doris reclaims his number eight jersey, allowing Josh van der Flier to slot in at openside flanker post-injury. Ryan Baird will flank on the blindside, with Jack Conan demoted to the bench following a less impactful game. The lock positions are held firm by Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan, while Andrew Porter steps up as the starting loosehead prop, taking over from Paddy McCarthy.
"South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively," said head coach Farrell.
Farrell also highlighted the boost given by the home crowd, noting, "The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home."
Ireland team to take on the Springboks: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell
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In a bold move that has set tongues wagging across the rugby world, Andy Farrell has passed the fly-half baton to Sam Prendergast for Ireland's titanic clash with the Springboks at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The decision sees Jack Crowley, previously Ireland's top choice for the position, once again sidelined in the November line-up, echoing last year's dramatic shift. Prendergast is set to partner with his Leinster colleague, Jamison Gibson-Park, aiming to snap South Africa's undefeated streak on their year-end tour.
Prendergast's recent performance hinted at his readiness, but the upcoming game against the world champions will truly test his mettle. The defensive skills of both Prendergast and Gibson-Park will be under scrutiny as they face a formidable South African team. They will be supported in the backline by the returning Garry Ringrose and Bundee Aki, replacing Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw. The wings and fullback positions remain unchanged with Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien, and James Lowe, who all showed promise against the Wallabies.
There’s also a strategic shuffle in the forward pack. Captain Caelan Doris reclaims his number eight jersey, allowing Josh van der Flier to slot in at openside flanker post-injury. Ryan Baird will flank on the blindside, with Jack Conan demoted to the bench following a less impactful game. The lock positions are held firm by Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan, while Andrew Porter steps up as the starting loosehead prop, taking over from Paddy McCarthy.
"South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively," said head coach Farrell.
Farrell also highlighted the boost given by the home crowd, noting, "The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home."
Ireland team to take on the Springboks:
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15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell
Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 17:40 GMT (19:40 SAST)
Referee: