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Can Ireland prove that they can still mix it with the best as they host the world champions?
Harry Latham-CoyleSaturday 22 November 2025 15:30 GMTComments
Ireland take on South Africa in Dublin (PA Archive)Ireland and South Africa collide as the Springboks seek a first win in Dublin under Rassie Erasmus.
The back-to-back world champions have conquered just about every shore under their head coach over the last seven years but are yet to beat Ireland in Ireland, and were also beaten in the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris. South Africa have shown their strength and depth in the last two weeks as red cards were overcome against France and Italy, but know that Ireland will provide another stiff challenge as they near the end of a long year of international action.
This feels a big day for the hosts, too, as they bid to disprove a few assumptions over an ageing side. Can Andy Farrell’s squad still match it with the best teams in the world? There is a renewed sense of optimism around them after an encouraging performance against Australia, with Sam Prendergast backed again at fly half for this tussle.
Follow all of the latest from the Quilter Nations Series clash with our live blog below:
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- Ireland host South Africa in the Quilter Nations Series | Live on TNT Sports with kick off at 5.40pm GMT
- Springboks have not won in Dublin under Rassie Erasmus
- Andy Farrell's side thrashed Australia last week in much-needed win
Springboks overturn Franco Mostert red card - but leave lock out
South Africa had mixed news on the disciplinary front this week, failing in an appeal to get Lood de Jager’s suspension reduced or dismissed but successfully overturning Franco Mostert’s red card against Italy. The lock isn’t involved today, but you would say justice has been done - his challenge on Paolo Garbisi just never looked like a sending off, and certainly not a straight red card.
With Japan’s Harry Hockings also having his sanction overturned, it’s been another confusing week for World Rugby’s officials.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 November 2025 15:30Sam Prendergast retains Ireland fly half role as team revealed for Springboks tussle
Sam Prendergast has been retained as Ireland’s starting fly half for their final Test of 2025 against South Africa.
The 22-year-old impressed in the win over Australia in Dublin last week and again beats Jack Crowley to the starting No 10 shirt for the meeting with the world champion Springboks.
Prendergast has new centres for company as Garry Ringrose returns from injury to partner Bundee Aki, while Andrew Porter and Josh van der Flier are brought back into the starting forward pack.
Sam Prendergast retains Ireland fly half role as team revealed for Springboks tussle
RG Snyman is set to win his 50th cap for South Africa in DublinHarry Latham-Coyle22 November 2025 15:20Caelan Doris excited for Ireland's 'real test' against South Africa
Captain Caelan Doris admits the success of Ireland's autumn campaign hinges on today’s clash with back-to-back world champions South Africa.
Andy Farrell's men began the month with an underwhelming defeat by New Zealand in Chicago before registering comfortable Dublin victories over Japan and Australia.
South Africa's sole victory over Ireland in the past five meetings came in the opening Test of a 1-1 series draw on home soil in the summer of 2024.
Yet the Springboks sit top of the Test rankings and are viewed as favourites by bookmakers.
"There's definitely a rivalry there," said Doris. "There's a strong understanding of how we both want to play the game.
"We've had some good results; they've beaten us over there in 2024. There's a lot on the line tomorrow, that's the feeling anyway and the lads are very excited about it.
"I think probably the success of this November hinges a little bit on our performance this weekend.
"Momentum has built nicely as the weeks have gone on but this is the real test now so there's a lot of excitement for it.
"It's a privilege to be involved in this game."
Caelan Doris is excited to take on South Africa (Getty Images)Harry Latham-Coyle22 November 2025 15:10The narrative Ireland can prove wrong by beating the Springboks
This feels a sizeable day for Ireland as they look to disprove a few narratives around their decline. Can they still mix it with the top teams? We may well find out this evening...
The narrative Ireland can prove wrong by beating the Springboks
Suggestions that Ireland are past their prime could be put, temporarily, to bed if they beat the world champions in DublinHarry Latham-Coyle22 November 2025 15:00Ireland vs South Africa live
Well this should be fun. Ireland and South Africa collide in a massive meeting in the Quilter Nations Series as the Springboks look to continue their unbeaten run and secure a first win in Dublin under Rassie Erasmus. The back-to-back world champions have shown their strength in the last two weeks in overcoming first-half red cards to beat France and Italy, but an Irish side bouncing after thrashing Australia will provide a tough test.
Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 5.40pm GMT.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is preparing to face South Africa (PA Archive)Harry Latham-Coyle21 November 2025 08:27More about
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