South Africa vs Ireland LIVE! World Cup 2023 result, match stream and latest updates today

South Africa vs Ireland - LIVE!

Ireland made a major statement in their bid for a first Rugby World Cup success as they beat South Africa 13-8 in a ferocious encounter in Paris. In what promised to be the match of the tournament so far, between two of the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, Andy Farrell’s side battled to a bruising, tense victory, one that leaves them in charge of Pool B.

Manie Libbok’s penalty was for much of the first-half the only time the scoreboard was troubled, but Ireland edged themselves into a 7-3 lead at the break. With the safety net of a penalty advantage, Ireland flung the ball wide and Mack Hansen was left with a simple finish. The Springboks fought back after the break, aided by the introduction of their ‘Bomb Squad’. A succession of huge scrums set up their first, and only, try of the match, the ball finding Cheslin Kolbe who had half of Paris to himself as he strolled over, though Libbok could not add the extras.

Johnny Sexton restored the Irish lead though, his penalty edging his side back in front, before the Springboks wasted two opportunites to respond again. Libbok and then Faf de Klerk missed penalties, those poor kicks proving costly. The Irish spent much of the half camped in their own 22, just about keeping South Africa at bay, but a rare attack brought them a precious three points. Jack Crowley, on for Sexton, was left with the simplest of tasks in front of the posts, leaving Ireland 13-8 in front heading into the final three minutes.

South Africa vs Ireland latest news

• FT: South Africa 8-13 Ireland

• TRY! Kolbe puts Springboks back in front

• HT: South Africa 3-7 Ireland

• TRY! Hansen out wide for Ireland

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22:27 , Matt Verri

Ireland made a major statement in their bid for a first Rugby World Cup success as they beat South Africa 13-8 in a ferocious encounter in Paris.

In what had been hyped up as the match of the tournament so far, between two of the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, Andy Farrell’s side battled to a bruising, tense victory, one that leaves them in charge of Pool B.

Click here for our full report!

Reaction from the Springboks camp

22:11 , Matt Verri

Post-match thoughts from Bundee Aki

22:02 , Matt Verri

“Lost for words. These Irish fans are incredible, and it’s only going to get bigger and crazier as we go on.

“South Africa are an amazing team and I promise you, we’ll see them again.

“As a group we knew we had to be better than the previous two performances in all areas of the game, but we trusted each other and the belief we have is incredible.”

21:58 , Matt Verri

Ireland sit top of Pool B, 14 points from their first three matches. South Africa on 10 having tasted defeat for the first time.

If the Irish beat Scotland in a fortnight, they will top Pool B on their way to quarter-finals. The reward?

Almost certainly New Zealand.

An incredible match!

21:55 , Matt Verri

FT: South Africa 8-13 Ireland

21:49 , Matt Verri

The maul is marching towards the tryline, the South Africa centres have come over...

BUT IRELAND TURN IT OVER! AND THAT’S THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE!

Ireland have beaten the defending champions!

21:48 , Matt Verri

79 mins: The Springboks have a penalty advantage as they edge into the Irish half - they have options as Ireland are penalised again.

Libbok kicks for touch, it’s brilliant! South Africa lineout, probably about 8m out. There’s still time.

PENALTY! South Africa 8-13 Ireland

21:45 , Matt Verri

Crowley makes no mistake, Ireland lead by five points with three minutes remaining!

21:44 , Matt Verri

76 mins: PENALTY IRELAND!

Huge, huge moment. Crowley looks around, wasting a few seconds while pretending there is any doubt over what he’ll do here.

Eventually he points to the posts. He basically can’t miss from here.

21:42 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Counter-ruck from Ireland, they’ve turned it over inside the South Africa 22! Have not had many of these moments since half-time. Barely any, in fact.

Patient from Ireland, going through the phases. Can they win a penalty here, get themselves five points in front?

They go for the drop goal instead... De Allende gets a touch on Crowley’s kick, takes the pace off it. Dribbles out of play, will be an Irish scrum on the 5m line though!

Here we go...

21:39 , Matt Verri

73 mins: But South Africa go too early, free-kick Ireland. Bit ragged from the Springboks in the last couple of minutes.

Lowe hammers the ball up the pitch, gets it to halfway. Sexton coming off for Ireland, Crowley on for the closing stages.

21:38 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Not straight!

Wow. South Africa can’t believe it. They wish they’d gone for the points now...

Job not done for Ireland though, they have a scrum on their own 5m line. Springboks will throw the kitchen sink and anything else they can find at this.

21:37 , Matt Verri

71 mins: Maul from South Africa, they have a penalty advantage too. Nervy moments for Ireland.

They’re going nowhere, so referee brings it back for that penalty. Huge call from the Springboks, they go for the corner! Lineout 5m out.

This could be the match right here...

21:35 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Brilliant hands from Snyman and he breaks through the tackle, South Africa are straight back on the attack.

Springboks ship it wide, but again the door is slammed shut on them. Murray’s tackle knocks the ball into touch, will be a South African lineout.

Sexton having his hamstring stretched out, not moving particularly well.

21:33 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Turnover from Ireland, just as South Africa edged towards the 22.

De Klerk charges down Lowe’s kick, will be a lineout for Ireland just outside their 22... it’s all so, so tense!

21:31 , Matt Verri

66 mins: That is fairly wild!

Distance was fine, but De Klerk drags it a long way wide of the post. Shakes his head in disgust.

Bealham, Baird and Murray are on for Ireland.

21:30 , Matt Verri

65 mins: Poor from Ireland, they give away another penalty immediately. Sheehan offside.

Once again South Africa want the points. De Klerk takes responsibility this time, about a metre inside his own half. Very central.

21:28 , Matt Verri

Libbok misses!

Big opportunity wasted there, that was not the most difficult kick he’ll ever be faced with.

Ireland remain 10-8 in front.

Special atmopshere!

21:27 , Matt Verri

21:27 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Irish fans making an incredible noise inside the Stade de France, trying to give their side a boost ahead of this scrum.

It’s not enough... penalty South Africa! Ireland don’t stay straight, it was another huge drive from the Springboks pack.

No surprise, Libbok points to the posts.

21:24 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Willemse furious as De Allende spills it forward, he launches the ball into the ground in frustration.

Ireland won’t mind seeing that. Another scrum coming up, another test of that front row.

PENALTY! South Africa 8-10 Ireland

21:22 , Matt Verri

Sexton makes no mistake, Ireland have a two-point lead!

Feels like the time for going to the corner has passed, all about the points now.

21:21 , Matt Verri

58 mins: I take that back - penalty Ireland! Springboks collapse the scrum, huge boost for the Irish pack.

Sexton will go for the points, should be restoring Ireland’s lead here.

21:20 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Ireland with what feels like almost their first visit to the South African half in about ten minutes.

It’s a brief one, the Springboks win the ball back with the counter-ruck and they win the scrum. Ireland could do without having to face a scrum every couple of minutes!

21:18 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Snyman, Ncheat, Kleyn, van Staden and Smith are all now on for the Springboks. Sheehan replaces Kelleher for Ireland.

Momentum very much with the Springboks right now, but Ireland are still bang in it.

21:15 , Matt Verri

Libbok unable to add the extras, drags his kick wide.

South Africa lead 8-7 with just under half an hour to go. More of a concern for Ireland will be the impact those changes have already had - and there are more to come.

TRY! South Africa 8-7 Ireland | Cheslin Kolbe 51'

21:13 , Matt Verri

It was coming!

Massive at the scrum again, that sets it up for the Springboks and they fling it wide, where Kolbe has half of Paris to himself.

21:12 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Watch out. South African turn to their bench for the first time and it has an immediate impact, monstrous drive at the scrum and they win the penalty!

Guess what... they’re going back to scrum. Kleyn and Nche are on.

21:10 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Superb from Wiese at the breakdown, wins the penalty for his side. And they’re going for the posts, De Klerk from inside his own half. It’s 56m out.

Just misses... but the South African chase is good and they have it back, as the ball bounces back off the post. They’re looking at more than three points now.

Not anymore - Ireland penalty! Turned over brilliantly. Etzebeth tackled off his feet by Lowe and Van der Flier.

21:07 , Matt Verri

45 mins: We’ll call that 1-1.

Kelleher goes to the back, which hasn’t worked particularly well tonight, and it doesn’t here either. Mostert stretches back and flicks it away, Springboks have the ball back.

21:06 , Matt Verri

44 mins: Sexton hammers a low kick into touch, one bounce in the South Africa 22 and out. He thinks it should be an Irish lineout, officials disagree.

He’ll get his wish eventually though, as the Springboks fail to secure their lineout. Etzebeth spills it back under pressure from O’Mahony, into touch.

21:03 , Matt Verri

41 mins: Etzebeth thinks he’s turned the ball over deep in the Irish 22, but eventually the referee pulls it back for a penalty after about 15 seconds of the South African attack.

We’ve swiftly picked up from where we left off!

Back underway in Paris!

21:02 , Matt Verri

Here we go. Second-half has begun.

It’s coming...

20:57 , Matt Verri

20:53 , Matt Verri

Ferocious 40 minutes in Paris so far which will suit South Africa just fine, even if they are four points behind.

The Springboks have seven forwards on the bench remember, they will change basically their entire pack. Those fresh legs could be crucial.

Watch: Hansen goes over out wide!

20:50 , Matt Verri

HT: South Africa 3-7 Ireland

20:48 , Matt Verri

And breathe!

Physical, bruising match as we expected. Ireland increasingly on top in that battle as the half went on and they have their reward, Hansen’s try giving them a narrow lead.

It’s still RIGHT in the balance though.

20:46 , Matt Verri

40 mins: More brilliant work at the breakdown from Ireland, they have the edge at the moment. Another penalty, celebrated like a try on the pitch and in the stands.

On halfway, Sexton’s kick takes his side into the 22. This will be the final play of the half.

20:44 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Ball flung wide to Lowe, he kicks it into space but too much on that and it bobbles out of play.

South Africa have options, restart or a scrum from where Lowe kicked it. Shock... they go for the scrum.

20:42 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Momentum just with Ireland now, South Africa penalised for not rolling away.

Sexton’s kick takes his side up to halfway, Farrell will be desperate for his side to make it to half-time with this four-point advantage. Or maybe even with it increased...

20:41 , Matt Verri

Sexton adds the extras, Ireland have a 7-3 lead with five minutes to go until half-time.

Ringrose is back on the pitch, having passed his HIA.

TRY! South Africa 3-5 Ireland | Mack Hansen 33'

20:39 , Matt Verri

Ireland again decide against taking the three points, Sexton kicks for the corner. Lineout 5m out.

Kelleher’s throw is good, Ireland a few metres out. Aki can’t bulldoze his way through the defence, nor can O’Mahony.

Van der Flier gets them closer still. Advantage again, Sexton... a foot short! Wide it goes though, Hansen is over in the corner! Ireland have the first try of the match.

20:37 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Clock is off for what feels like an age, eventually we’re back up and running with an Irish scrum. Referee trying, not hugely successfully, to hurry things along.

Ireland have it from the scrum, Aki sees a gap and he breaks through the tackles! Drives away from the white shirts, brought down as he approches the 22. Irish fans are up again.

Phases into double figures, Ireland not making huge ground though. In fact they’re going backwards.

That is until Aki breaks free again, flicks it inside to Lowe. Nobody there for the offload, but penalty advantage Ireland. Crossfield kick... no. Back for the penalty.

20:32 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Ireland playing the percentages, good kick to touch and they can put the pressure on the South African lineout, just outside the Springboks 22.

The defending world champions rock solid as ever, they’ve looked completely in control at lineouts and scrums. Nothing new there.

20:30 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Going to need a mighty Irish defensive effort to deny the Springboks here.

Static scrum, but the ball comes out. Big tackle to stop Kriel a couple of metres out... and Ireland turn it over! Huge.

Kicked down the field, South Africa will have to start again. And it’s worse than that for them, Kolisi knocks the ball forward as Lowe makes the tackle.

20:28 , Matt Verri

23 mins: Sexton the latest Irish player down, his arm is getting worked on by the physio. De Allende ran straight at him, Sexton just bounced off.

Springboks closing in on the tryline, ball loose though a couple of metres out. South Africa will have a scrum though, on the Irish 5m line and right in front of the posts. Perfect position.

20:26 , Matt Verri

22 mins: That’s not straight from Kelleher at the lineout - referee and everyone else watching saw that.

Henshaw is on for Ireland, Ringrose off for a HIA. Back on the pitch, scrum for the Springboks.

20:24 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Ringrose in a fair bit of pain, he’s holding his shoulder. Will carry on for now.

Lovely kick from the Springboks, Ireland have a lineout on their own 5m line. Huge pressure. This time it’s solid though, Ireland have the platform to clear the ball.

Or that was the plan anyway... Gibson-Park’s kick is charged down by Etzebeth. Irish lineout, still in their 22.

20:22 , Matt Verri

19 mins: To the front and Ireland claim the lineout. Aki gets his first run with the ball, crashes his side into the 22.

But South Africa win the penalty at the breakdown! They are not giving Ireland an inch.

Almost halfway through this first half, nothing it in as expected.

As close as we’ve come to a try...

20:21 , Matt Verri

20:21 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Another knock-on from Ireland, so we’ll have another scrum. South Africa will fancy this once more.

Rock solid from both packs, the scrum doesn’t move an inch! De Klerk reluctantly has to use the ball. Comes wide to Kolbe, Lowe gets over it... superb work from the Irish winger. Penalty.

Sexton’s kick isn’t great, but they will have the lineout just outside the 22.

20:17 , Matt Verri

15 mins: South Africa win the penalty!

Furlong the man penalised, the Springboks pack enjoyed that. Referee then has a work with Kelleher to tell him what he wants from the Irish front-row.

Not been a good start from Ireland in terms of the set-piece.

20:16 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Brilliant from Keenan, charging into the 22 and he swivels his way to within a few feet of the tryline. Best Ireland move of the match by a mile.

Ireland do then get it down over the line, but only after they knocked it on. South Africa have the put-in at the scrum on their 5m line.

20:14 , Matt Verri

12 mins: This is extraordinary. Kelleher over the top again from the lineout, Ireland lose another one. That’s four in a row, they need a major rethink.

He’s about to get a fifth chance, is Kelleher. Big deep breath.

Huge roar from the stands, this one is good and Ireland have the platform to build through the phases.

20:13 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Solid scrum from the Springboks, before Hansen gets absolutely nailed after claiming the high ball. Does so well not to spill that forward.

And Ireland then have another penalty, Etzebeth penalised at the breakdown. Sexton’s kick is a good one, deep into the 22.

Van der Flier getting more treatment on his finger, it’s causing him issues.

20:10 , Matt Verri

8 mins: Both sides giving away penalties in the early stages, nervy start. Sexton can get Ireland up towards the South Africa 22 as he kicks to touch.

Again Ireland make a mess of it though - their lineout has been really poor so far. Kelleher looking a bit stunned, he’s 0-3.

South Africa scrum for a knock-on.

PENALTY! South Africa 3-0 Ireland

20:08 , Matt Verri

Libbok then to get South Africa on the board.

Has about two seconds left on the clock by the time he sends the sailing through the posts, South Africa take an early lead.

20:07 , Matt Verri

4 mins: And the lineout is lost! Big moment.

South Africa clear it up the pitch and they take the lineout quickly, frantic pace. Ball bounces quickly, Kolbe claims and the Springboks are suddenly flying into the Irish half.

Advantage too, into the 22 they go. Eventually we go back for that original penalty. Lowe with his arm in to halt that attack, deliberate knock-in? Looks like he’ll get away with it.

South Africa going for the points.

20:04 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Massive tackle from Kelleher in the opening seconds, that’s one way to lay down a marker.

De Klerk flings it wide to Kolbe, he spills it into touch and Ireland have a very early opportunity in the South Africa 22. Van der Flier needs some treatment already on a finger issue, he’s fine to continue though.

Ireland have a penalty advantage, and they’ll need it as the pass goes astray. Huge call - Sexton kicks to the corner!

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running in Paris!

19:59 , Matt Verri

Judging by those anthems, there can’t be anyone left in Ireland right now. Whole country must have travelled to Paris.

South Africa not exactly without support either though, incredible noise.

Right then. It’s time.

Some atmosphere!

19:56 , Matt Verri

Here we go!

19:55 , Matt Verri

Huge roar as the players jog out onto the pitch at the Stade de France. Except for Bundee Aki that is, who is strolling in his own sweet time.

Anthems coming up, kick-off just a few minutes away now.

Pre-match thoughts from Andy Farrell

19:53 , Matt Verri

“The build up to the game has been great, it’s been as it should be,” he tells ITV Sport.

“There’s a nice nervous tension within the group and that normally transfers into a nice performance as well.

“We’re playing against a world-class side, the reigning champions, so we know all about them but at the same time it’s about respecting ourselves and trying to impose our game on the opposition and we’ll be trying hard to do that, that’s for sure.”

Paris turns green!

19:49 , Matt Verri

Green everywhere you look at the Stade de France tonight.

Different shades of course, but you’d say it’s probably the Irish who have the edge inside the stadium in terms of numbers.

Just a wall of noise... and the players aren’t even out yet!

Ireland’s answer to South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad'...

19:44 , Matt Verri

Ryan ready to take on Etzebeth

19:37 , Matt Verri

James Ryan is keen to ensure Ireland make an impression tonight against the South African pack, particularly Eben Etzebeth.

Ryan has been full of praise for his fellow lock in the build-up to tonight’s clash.

“He’s one of the best locks in the world, definitely,” Ryan said of Etzebeth.

“He’s pretty much the complete second row. He’s got a good work rate, a good set-piece player, very good in the air in terms of line-out defence, a great feel for the game. A huge player for them.

“You’ve obviously got huge respect for them but I think big games are about making sure you impose yourself on the game.”

Captains are ready!

19:35 , Matt Verri

How it stands...

19:32 , Matt Verri

Ireland lead the way in Pool B, bonus-point wins in both of their opening two matches.

South Africa just behind on nine points, but they have already beaten Scotland. Ireland face the Scots in a fortnight’s time in their final pool-stage match.

Basically... it’s all very tight! Whoever comes out on top tonight will be in pole position to top Pool B, though the reward for that is likely a quarter-final against the All Blacks.

Last time they met...

19:20 , Matt Verri

Ireland edged a bruising encounter when the two nations met in Dublin at the end of last year.

A 19-16 win is certainly one that the Irish will be taking confidence from, but the stage is a much bigger one this time!

Not long until we found out if Ireland can rise to the occasion again...

Ireland have arrived!

19:13 , Matt Verri

Farrell wants cool Irish heads

19:04 , Matt Verri

Andy Farrell has urged Ireland to keep their cool tonight, believing the match could come down to who handles their emotions best on the biggest stage.

“That’s what top teams do, they can compartmentalise what’s going on to the reality of the big show,” said Farrell.

“It’s something that we’ve gotten better at certainly over the last couple of years and it’s for occasions like this.

“We will be tested, our emotions will be tested but how we make sure we play the game that’s in front of our face is pretty important.

“Two good teams going at it in form. It will be [about] who handles the pressure on the day the best.”

South Africa fans are ready!

18:57 , Matt Verri

Elsewhere at the World Cup...

18:52 , Matt Verri

Marcus Smith turbocharged England’s 71-0 Rugby World Cup win over Chile, to put the Red Rose men on the brink of quarter-final qualification this evening.

The Harlequins hurricane delivered a gale-force performance of acumen and alacrity at full-back, as England racked up 11 tries against the overmatched Chile.

Henry Arundell bagged a 50-minute hat-trick, then went on to equal England’s record one-match haul of five tries, that he now shares with Josh Lewsey and Rory Underwood.

Smith stole the show however, unshackled at No 15 and running riot to turn himself into a genuine full-back option for Steve Borthwick’s men.

Smith claimed a try brace of his own, as did Theo Dan, with Bevan Rodd and Jack Willis also troubling the scorers.

Lowe: We want to make statement

18:45 , Matt Verri

James Lowe has backed Ireland to make a “statement” tonight against South Africa, with the winger admitting only after this match will Ireland really know whether they are ready for a deep World Cup run.

“This week is a whole new beast, isn’t it?” said Lowe.

“We are really going to find out where we are at and we think we are in a good place. We have put ourselves on the front foot and hopefully the performance will show that.

“To really put a statement on this competition is hopefully what we’re going to get and that will be reflected by the performance.

“Obviously as the stakes get bigger the further we go throughout this tournament, it’s not do or die but there’s no way we are going out there to lose.”

Landmark for Aki!

18:38 , Matt Verri

Erasmus fires dig at Ireland

18:31 , Matt Verri

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Rassie Erasmus has been enjoying himself this week.

The South African director of rugby, who coached his country to victory at the 2019 World Cup, poked fun at Ireland’s record on the biggest stage - the Irish have never made it to a World Cup semi-final.

“I was thinking about that when I read a few things on social media,” Erasmus told RTE.

“A few of my friends said that Ireland is our bogey team, but the World Cup is Ireland’s bogey competition.”

Kolisi wants to inspire...

18:22 , Matt Verri

Nienaber: Two well-matched teams

18:15 , Matt Verri

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber believes tonight will prove to be a “well-matched” encounter, predicting there will be very little to split the two sides over the 80 minutes.

“I won’t say I am nervous, I am excited,” Nienaber said.

“It will be a proper Test match. It is number one against the world champion. Both sides have a good skillset, the average age of both squads is about the same, as are the number of caps.

“It will be a clash of two teams with experienced calm heads - two very well-matched teams.”

Farrell not interested in South Africa bench

18:07 , Matt Verri

Ireland could go a long way to cementing their status as one of the tournament favourites by beating the reigning champions tonight, but they will have to fend off the Springboks’ most potent line-up, with a bench stacked full of seven forwards and just one back.

That has not given Ireland boss Farrell pause for thought, however, which makes sense when his side are No1 in the world.

Asked about the seven-one split, Farrell replied: “It’s great. They obviously know what fits for them and so do we.”

Pressed if South Africa’s approach made him re-evaluate his selection, Farrell insisted: “No, never.”

Stage is set in Paris!

18:00 , Matt Verri

Standard Sport prediction

17:54 , Matt Verri

The world champions against the best side in the world, if the rankings are to be believed.

South Africa’s bench is a fairly good indicator of what can be expected in Paris, with the Springboks naming seven forwards as substitutes for the first time in a World Cup match.

Ireland will not match that split and their forwards face a massive test against the ‘Bomb Squad’, with that battle, particularly in the second half as Irish legs tire, likely to have a decisive factor in the result. There is very much no Plan B for South Africa.

Andy Farrell’s side can take confidence from their win over the Springboks a year ago, though there is a sense that there is more pressure on them this time than their opponents. Defeat here would leave Ireland facing a fortnight build-up into a match against Scotland they would have to win to avoid an early exit, whereas South Africa already have a victory over the Scots in the bag.

It is a match that will likely be decided by the finest of margins - we’re going for the Springboks to power their way to a gruelling win.

South Africa to win by three points.

Ireland team news

17:48 , Matt Verri

Ireland, meanwhile, make only one change from the side that beat Tonga last time out, with Jamison Gibson-Park in at scrum-half ahead of Conor Murray.

Dan Sheehan is back from injury and takes a seat on the bench, with Ronan Kelleher starting at hooker. Finlay Bealham is also among the replacements after passing tests on a head injury, though the game comes too soon for Jack Conan.

Jack Crowley is preferred to Ross Byrne on the bench, while Rob Herring drops out altogether with Sheehan back.

South Africa team news

17:42 , Matt Verri

Having rotated for the win over Romania, South Africa return to almost exactly the same side that beat Scotland in their tournament opener. The only change from that match is the absence of the injured Malcolm Marx, meaning Bongi Mbonambi lines up at hooker.

There had been concern over Eben Etzebeth’s fitness after he picked up a shoulder injury against Scotland, but he has recovered and starts, while inspirational captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit are among those also back in the side.

Cobus Reinach, who scored a hat-trick inside 25 minutes against Romania, is the only back named among the South Africa replacements, as head coach Jacques Nienaber opts for seven forwards on the bench.

South Africa XV: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe; Etzebeth, Mostert; Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Wiese

Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Van Staden, Smith, Reinach

How to watch South Africa vs Ireland

17:35 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, South Africa vs Ireland will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7.15pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the action live online via the ITVX website and app.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us!

Good evening!

17:29 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of South Africa vs Ireland!

A blockbuster Pool B in store, could well prove to be the best match of the tournament so far. It’s the defending champions up against the number-one ranked side in the world.

South Africa will have top spot in the pool effectively wrapped up if they can secure victory, while Ireland will be looking to put themselves in pole position before that final clash against Scotland.

We’ll have all the latest updates and build-up ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the Stade de France.