Why Boks opted for 2 fetchers on the bench against Ireland

In Dublin

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber said the selections of Kwagga Smith and Deon Fourie as the replacement loose forwards would serve a ball-slowing process when they face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Nienaber, who will be coaching the Boks for the first time against Ireland, said they had identified Ireland's ruck speed and breakdown work as an essential aspect of their game.

Ireland's breakdown work played a crucial role in taking apart the All Blacks in the last two Tests of that series in July.

READ | Kolbe could have a lot on his plate as Springboks go full-on 'pocket rocket' for Irish

The speed of Ireland's breakdown work nullified the All Blacks after losing the first Test and went a long way to shaping what became an historic series win.

Ireland's coach Andy Farrell will announce their match-day 23 on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

"We had a good look at Ireland and the challenges they pose for us, and we felt the combination of Kwagga and Deon will serve us best in this game," Nienaber said. "They're a dynamic team that likes quick ball, so the breakdown is going to be a big issue and a focal point for each team.

"They form a combination that will serve us the best."

15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Deon Fourie, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 WIllie le Roux

Nienaber hoped that their physicality, which will need to be used selectively and shrewdly,