Coach Andy Farrell has decided on his starting flyhalf for Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
Farrell has backed youngster Sam Prendergast to steer Ireland’s attack against the world champions ahead of Jack Crowley.
Prendergast gets the No 10 jersey after an impressive showing against Australia, and will combine with Jamison Gibson-Park in a halfback pairing designed for tempo and creativity. But the Boks are certain to target the 22-year-old defensively as they chase a first win in Dublin since 2012.
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Farrell has also reshuffled his midfield, restoring Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose as his centre combination. Ringrose returns from injury, with Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw dropping out of the match 23.
The back three of Mack Hansen, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe is unchanged after helping spark Ireland’s attack in the 46-19 win over the Wallabies.
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Up front, captain Caelan Doris shifts back to No 8, freeing Josh van der Flier to return at openside after recovering from injury. Ryan Baird continues at blindside, while Jack Conan moves to the bench.
Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan resume their lock partnership, and the only change in the front row sees Andrew Porter reclaim the loosehead role from Paddy McCarthy.
McCarthy features among a strong bench that includes Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Conan, while Craig Casey, Crowley and Tom Farrell cover the backline.
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Farrell knows his team will have to be close to flawless to halt a Springbok outfit unbeaten on their European tour.
“South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend,” he said. “Whenever you face a top side you know you’ll be tested. We’ll look to build on last weekend and approach the game positively.”
IRELAND – 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.
Bench: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell.
Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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