Paul O'Connell expecting big lineout challenge from the Boks

Paul O'Connell expects Ireland's lineout will hold the key for Saturday's first Test against world champions South Africa against Pretoria.

When O'Connell's side won 13-8 when the sides last met at the Rugby World Cup in September, the Springboks did a job on the Irish lineout, particularly early on.

All four of Ireland's opening lineouts were either stolen or lost under pressure, and although Ireland's setpiece improved as the game wore on, they still lost six of their of their own throws over the 80 minutes, for a 66% return.

They'll face similar pressure from the Boks on Saturday in Pretoria, who have retained their second row pairing of Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert from that day last year, both of whom led the attack on the Irish lineout.

"It's always a big factor against them. They are an excellent setpiece side, they are an excellent lineout side, they always have been," O'Connell said of the pressure South Africa will put on the Irish throw.

"They caught us out at the start of the game in the World Cup. It was pretty frustrating, disappointing but I was delighted with how the players managed their way through it and got through it. It will always be a challenge.

"Two of their lineout operators Mostert and Etzebeth are two of the best in the business, Etzebeth is very good at the front of the lineout. Mostert generally covers everything at the back of the lineout. They are a really good side."

The Ireland squad continued preparations for Saturday's first Test at Loftus Versfeld this afternoon, with all players taking part in this afternoon's session at St Peter's College in Johannesburg, which has been their training base since arriving in South Africa last week.

O'Connell says they haven't been dwelling on those