Following the Springboks’ announcement of their 23-man matchday squad to take on Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, here are our five key takeaways from Rassie Erasmus’ selection.
The top line
As expected, Springboks boss Erasmus has named an almost full-strength team for this eagerly anticipated encounter with several of his first-choice players recalled to the starting line-up after last weekend’s hard-fought triumph over Italy in Turin.
Experienced captain Siya Kolisi, Boan Venter, Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie are the only survivors from the run-on side which did duty in their 32-14 triumph against the Azzurri.
Kolisi will form a formidable loose
