Ireland v Springboks: The 5 key matchups

In Dublin

Like any Test that has battles within battles, the mini-wars in the game can and will determine the end result.

Here are five critical match-ups that may have an impact on Saturday's Test between Ireland and the Springboks that kicks off at 19:30 SA time:

Hugo Keenan v Cheslin Kolbe

Hugo Keenan is taller than Cheslin Kolbe and by that stretch of the imagination, he should be more competent under the high ball.

Kolbe, though, has continued to confound and surprise with his ability to do almost anything and play from anywhere and everywhere.

What the Boks lack in height from Kolbe is made up in substantial rugby-playing ability that allows Bok management to use him anywhere on the field.

He will be targeted with a concentrated and consistent aerial bombardment that also has to be accurate.

For if it is an inch off the mark, Kolbe can and will exploit any space. Those Irish players who were part of the British & Irish Lions team will know this.

Robert Baloucoune v Makazole Mapimpi

Thanks to the United Rugby Championship, Robert Baloucoune isn't an unknown quantity to South African Rugby watchers.

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The Ulster right wing has been a slippery customer and has troubled South African defences. He will definitely meet his match in the experienced and generally faultless Makazole Mapimpi.

This Test will be Mapimpi's first against Ireland and with his epic try-scoring rate, it shouldn't come as a surprise if he scores.

This battle will form part of the high-stakes back-three war that'll pretty much settle the outcome of this game.

He who catches better will be the one who prevails, something Jacob Stockdale did so well in 2017 when Ireland