Bernard Jackman: Bomb Squad? Ireland must be wary of the Breakdown Squad

While much of the focus around this weekend's meeting of Ireland and South Africa has centered on the physicality of the Springboks' seven replacement forwards, Bernard Jackman believes the breakdown threat of their subs could play an even greater role.

Ireland's scrum-halves have enjoyed lightning-quick service at the back of the ruck in their opening two games, with an average ruck speed of 2.91 seconds being the best in the tournament and the only team to average sub-three seconds.

In part, that ruck speed has been down to the standard of opposition, with Ireland having played their two weakest opponents in Romania and Tonga in the opening games. However, quick ruck ball has been a constant theme of Ireland's play across their record 15 wins in a row.

Ireland have been among the best in the world on both sides of the ball at the breakdown in the last two seasons, with the likes of Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Tadhg Beirne noted for their ability to win turnover ball at the ruck.

That breakdown control will be heavily tested against the world champions, who many feel have the largest and most physical pack in the game.

In addition, head coach Jacques Nienaber has loaded his bench up with extra forwards, opting for a 7:1 split in comparison to Ireland's 5:3. Barring injury, it means only one of the Springbok pack will have to play the full 80 minutes.

And while many observers been fixated on how Ireland will cope with the size and power of the South African subs, Jackman believes their own noted breakdown specialists will pose a greater threat to Ireland in the game's defining moments.

'It's one of the best attacks in the world against the best defence in the world' - @ABZondagh and @BernardJackman on Ireland's