The Springboks will look to seal a 2-0 series win over Ireland in front of a sold-out Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday 13 July. Here’s everything you need to know.
Springboks, Ireland set for Hollywoodbets Kings Park date
The curtain will come down on Ireland’s two-game tour of the Republic on Saturday at a sold-out Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Last week’s thriller at Loftus Versveld – won 27-20 by the hosts – leaves the series finely poised ahead of the Durban Test.
Rassie Erasmus and his brains trust have opted to name an unchanged matchday 23, with several squad players released to play in the Currie Cup this weekend. This means that the side that walks out for the anthems on Saturday will be the most-capped matchday squad in Springbok history with 990 appearances between them, three more than the side that won the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in 2023.
On the other hand, the Irish have been forced into several changes to their side. Talismanic midfielder Bundee Aki drops out of the side with a shoulder injury, with Gary Ringrose coming into the side. Ronan Kelleher and Conor Murray also come into the run-on XV in place of Dan Sheehan and Craig Casey as was widely expected. Interestingly, skipper Peter O’Mahony drops to the bench with Caelan Doris – who was outstanding last week – set to captain the side.
The biggest talking point from the first Test was the Springboks’ new attacking structure under Tony Brown. Seeing the likes of Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit galloping into space in the wider channels set pulses racing at Loftus. Of course, this more expansive style of play will take time to perfect, but the early signs look promising.
Saturday, we go again 🇿🇦🍿🇮🇪
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 10, 2024
Will it be a clean sweep for the Boks or can the Irish level the series?
Durban, the stage is set.. pic.twitter.com/2tYYp93VtR
When and where to watch?
Just like last week, the game will be broadcast on SuperSport Grandstand (channel 201 on DStv) with the build-up starting at 16:00. The live crossing will happen at 16:50.
There’s plenty of other Test rugby taking place on Saturday too. The big ones to look out for are New Zealand v England at 09:05 on Saturday and Australia v Wales at 11:45. There’s also a full set of Currie Cup fixtures to look forward to.
Saturday, we feast on rugby again 🍽️🤤 pic.twitter.com/U0OlObAYNm
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 11, 2024
Betting odds
Interestingly, the Boks are stronger favourites to win this week than last. You’d expect the conditions in Durban to be a bit of a leveller with last week’s game played at 1 350m above sea level.
This week we have the Boks as 10-point favourites. Take a look at the match betting and the handicaps for Saturday’s clash below.
South Africa 26/100 | Draw 25/1 | Ireland 3/1
Handicap
South Africa (-9.5) 9/10 | Ireland (+10.5) 9/10
Hollywoodbets Kings Park
The Durban ground hasn’t always been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Springboks. Emirates Airlines Park and Loftus Versveld are the more traditional fortresses of South African rugby.
However, the Boks have certainly turned a corner at the ground since being demolished 57-15 by the All Blacks in the 2016 Rugby Championship. The subsequent three results featured a win against France and two victories against Argentina.
Last meeting and head-to-head
No need for any crystal ball gazing here. The two sides met last week, with Springboks running out 27-20 winners at Loftus Versveld. That was the first time the Boks had produced the goods against the Irish in four attempts.
- 6 July 2024: South Africa won 27-20 in Pretoria
- 23 September 2023: Ireland won 8-13 in Paris
- 5 November 2022: Ireland won 19-16 in Dublin
- 11 November 2017: Ireland won 38-3 in Dublin
- 25 June 2016: South Africa won 19-13 in Gqeberha
Loftus brought the Lekker Vibes 💥💥#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/1vMn2j98xs
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 7, 2024
Teams
We’ve already touched on the squads. Worth remembering that this will be the most experienced Springbok matchday 23 in history, with the side unchanged heading from Pretoria to Durban.
The Irish, however, have been forced into several changes. Murray comes in for Casey at scrumhalf with the latter suffering a concussion last week. Kelleher cracks the nod at hooker with Sheehan also out injured. Aki’s shoulder problem sees Robbie Henshaw move to inside centre with Ringrose coming in at 13.
There’s also been a bit of shifting about in the pack. O’Mahony dropping to the bench sees Tadhg Beirne move from lock to blindside flank with James Ryan coming into the run-on side at lock.
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 (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Conor Murray; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Caolan Blade, Ciarán Frawley, Stuart McCloskey.
Your #Springboks team to face Ireland in Durban tomorrow 💚💛#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/sRr4mE0Kd1
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 12, 2024
