Ireland begin their two-test series in South Africa this weekend
Ireland’s two-part test series against South Africa gets underway this summer as Andy Farrell’s men take on the Springboks.
It’s the first time in eight years that Ireland have played in South Africa, losing the 2016 series, 2-1, although it was their first ever victory against the Springboks in their own back yard.
Since then Ireland have dominated the fixtures between the two, winning all three meetings between the teams and five of the last seven, including a 13-8 win in the pool stages of the 2023 World Cup.
Farrell’s men haven’t played together since clinching the Six Nations title against Scotland in March while South Africa prepped by comfortably beating Wales at Twickenham in June.
What day is the game and where is it being played?
The game will take place on Saturday July 6 at the Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria with kick off at 4:00pm.
What channel will the game be shown on?
Coverage of the game will air on Sky Sports Main Event and it will begin at 4:00pm.
Team news
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has already named his 20-man squad for the opening game of the series.
12 of the starting 15 started in their Rugby World Cup final victory against New Zealand while the remaining three (Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche) all came off the bench.
Ireland meanwhile will name their side on Thursday however Farrell has still been presented with some problems.
Here it is, your #Springboks match-23 for the highly-anticipated first Test against Ireland in Pretoria – more here: https://t.co/IowLhMqHO3 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/bZoFqXvQuU
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 2, 2024
Hugo Keenan wasn’t selected as he prepares for the Olympics while Jamison Gibson-Park, Iain Henderson and Mack Hansen are all injured.
Jack Conan is also unavailable for personal reasons but Sam Prendergast, Jamie Osborne and Cormac Izuchukwu were all uncapped names included in the squad.
