The Ireland team we want to see take down South Africa on Saturday

Should be another cracker!

Ireland have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Springboks in recent years, who head to Aviva as the best team in the world with a point to prove.

Here is the green team we reckon can back up last weekend’s 46-19 win over Australia and topple the world champions.

Front row

Don’t try to fix it if it ain’t broke.

Paddy McCarthy had an encouraging first start for Ireland against the Wallabies, allowing a fresh and fired up Andrew Porter to make hay in the second half.

Dan Sheehan’s improved darts were vital to the big win, while Thomas Clarkson also continued his improvement as a test international.

However, there is an argument to hand Gus McCarthy a spot on the bench.

Second row

With injuries to Cormac Izuchukwu, Edwin Edogbo, and Tom Ahern, there has unfortunately not been much opportunity to blood some new locks.

The familiar partnership of Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan will have to go again and hope the lineout goes even better than it did on the weekend, with the fearsome Springboks expecting serious dividends at set-piece.

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Back row

Andy Farrell will likely stick with the same backrow, despite an under-par performance from Jack Conan.

Nick Timoney did not do enough to usurp Josh van der Flier as Ireland’s starting 7 or sub backrower.

Half-back

The one-two punch of Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey will remain, but the management’s biggest decision will be choosing who starts outside them.

Sam Prendergast produced his best game in green against Australia, but Jack Crowley was equally impressive when he came off the bench.

With Ireland’s backline looking slicker than it has been in months, Prendergast will likely keep his place.

Centre

The in-form Stuart McCloskey is unavailable due to the groin injury which prematurely ended his night on Saturday.

Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki showed again against Aus that they have the best chemistry of any of the midfield options.

Back three

With Mack Hansen’s player of the match shift versus the Wallabies, Ireland now have three strong options at fullback.

James Lowe was back to his best, while Tommy O’Brien continued his flying form.

Garry Ringrose should be back to take his place on the bench.

Ireland 23 vs Australia:

1. Paddy McCarthy
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. James Ryan
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Ryan Baird
7. Caelan Doris
8. Jack Conan
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Sam Prendergast
11. James Lowe
12. Bundee Aki
13. Robbie Henshaw
14. Tommy O’Brien
15. Mack Hansen

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Tom Clarkson, Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Garry Ringrose.