Munster v South Africa: tourists lead 3-0 head-to-head

Thursday's encounter in Cork will be the fourth time in history that Munster will tackle a touring rugby team from South Africa.

The South Africa A match-day squad named on Monday features 14 capped Springboks.

It will also be the first time in the professional era that Munster face a South African side.

Munster and South Africa last met over 50 years ago, and according to Munster's official website, the Springboks remain the only major touring side Munster have not beaten. The previous games took place in 1951 (Thomond Park), 1960 (Musgrave Park) and 1970 (Thomond Park).

South Africa won 11-6 in 1951 - a tour of Ireland, Britain and France on which they would win 30 of 31 matches.

In 1960, the Boks beat Munster 9-3 and they thumped Munster 25-9 in 1970.

Munster have gained a reputation of beating international touring teams and boast victories over the Wallabies and All Blacks.

Thursday's clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh kicks off at 21:30 (SA time).

South Africa A team:

15 Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg (Stormers), 13 Henco van Wyk (Lions), 12 Cornal Hendricks (vice-captain, Bulls), 11 Leolin Zas (Stormers), 10 Johan Goosen (Bulls), 9 Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), 8 Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), 7 Elrigh Louw (Bulls), 6 Phepsi Buthelezi (Sharks), 5 Ruan Nortje (Bulls), 4 Jason Jenkins (Leinster), 3 Thomas du Toit (captain, Sharks), 2 Joseph Dweba (Stormers), 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu (Sharks)

Substitutes: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter (Stormers), 17 Simphiwe Matanzima (Bulls), 18 Sazi Sandi (Stormers), 19 Dan du Preez (Sale Sharks), 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks), 21 Grant Williams (Sharks), 22 Sanele Nohamba (Lions), 23 Gianni Lombard (Lions)