The contest between Ireland and South Africa is poised to take centre stage as the two teams face off in their first test match since their memorable Rugby World Cup clash last year. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to commence at 4 pm at Loftus Versfeld Stadium today, and enthusiasts can witness the entire spectacle on Sky Sports Arena or stay abreast of live score updates on the Irish Mirror.
Ireland, under the guidance of coach Andy Farrell, confronts a challenging scenario as they approach the match with the absence of several key players. Notably, star player Hugo Keenan is unavailable due to Olympic commitments, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Mack Hansen are sidelined due to injuries. Consequently, uncapped Jamie Osborne will encounter a formidable debut standing in for Keenan, alongside Craig Casey, who steps in as scrum half.
Conversely, South Africa presents a robust lineup, with captain Siya Kolisi and top performers Faf de Klerk and Chesli Kolbe all featuring in the starting lineup. The team is primed to confront their Irish counterparts with unwavering resolve and determination.
The confirmed starting lineups for both teams are as follows:
South Africa:
– Willie le Roux
– Cheslin Kolbe
– Jesse Kriel
– Damian de Allende
– Kurt-Lee Arendse
– Handre Pollard
– Faf de Klerk
– Ox Nche
– Bongi Mbonambi
– Frans Malherbe
– Eben Etzebeth
– Franco Mostert
– Siya Kolisi (captain)
– Pieter-Steph du Toit
– Kwagga Smith
Ireland:
– Jamie Osborne
– Calvin Nash
– Robbie Henshaw
– Bundee Aki
– James Lowe
– Jack Crowley
– Craig Casey
– Andrew Porter
– Dan Sheehan
– Tadhg Furlong
– Joe McCarthy
– Tadhg Beirne
– Peter O’Mahony (captain)
– Josh van der Flier
– Caelan Doris
For those unable to attend the game in person, Sky Sports Arena will broadcast the match live, and it can also be streamed through their app or on NOW TV.
In terms of betting odds, South Africa is the unequivocal favourite to emerge victorious from the match, with odds of 3/10. The odds for a draw stand at 20/1, while Ireland has odds of 13/5.
As the anticipation mounts for today’s test match, we eagerly await an enthralling encounter between these two formidable teams. Stay tuned for live updates and an electrifying battle on the rugby field.