Preview: Ireland must Boks clever to defeat world champions
It's a dress rehearsal with a difference.
Andy Farrell Sport News
Farrell making no excuses after Ireland 'A' outclassed
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says it's up to his 'A' players to make sure they learn from defeat, after they were beaten 47-19 by a ruthless All Blacks XV at the RDS.
Kolisi: Current Irish team 'much better' than 2017 side
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is braced for an even greater threat from Ireland after admitting his last Dublin Test match was among the toughest days of his international career. The Springboks have not faced the Irish since suffering a humiliating 38-3 thrashing at the Aviva Stadium five years ago. Flanker Kolisi is among 10 South Africans who played that day and have a chance for retribution during Saturday evening's sold-out Autumn Nations Series opener. The World Cup winner says painful memories of 2017 still linger and believes the hosts are now a "much better" team after making huge strides under Andy Farrell to become rugby's top-ranked side. "Of course we have touched on the last time we played against Ireland but this is a whole new team," said Kolisi. "For us it's something that we can't forget. I remember we were here and it was very tough. It was one of the toughest days for most of us in the Springbok jersey. "But it's a different team, a lot of guys weren't there that game and they (Ireland) have evolved as a team, they're much better than they were that time. "We want to build on what we've done this year. The biggest thing for us - we're third in the world right now - is we want to give our best against the number one."
Stuart McCloskey replaces injured Robbie Henshaw for South Africa Test
Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of Saturday's autumn international against South Africa and will be replaced by Stuart McCloskey.
Lenihan: Big chance for 'A' players to stake claim
Donal Lenihan says Ireland's rising talents and fringe stars must put their hand up against a strong All Blacks XV at the RDS tonight with the clock ticking for World Cup selection.
'It doesn't get any bigger' - Farrell ready for SA
With three games this month, the Six Nations next spring and at least two World Cup warm-up matches confirmed, it leaves Andy Farrell with just 10 games - 11 if they arrange an extra warm-up - to work through until France 2023.