South Africa vs Ireland Preview
One of rugby union’s most intense modern rivalries kicks off on July 6th in Pretoria. Ireland plays South Africa at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in an international friendly at 6:00 pm. These teams know each other very well with some incredible games between them.
These teams are in very different places right now. Ireland is in transition and most fans expect the Springboks to win this game. A loss isn’t the worst outcome for Ireland as long as they’re competitive. They’ll bring the fight to the Southern Hemisphere and use the opportunity to give some young stars valuable experience in this tough test. This will be a fascinating game with big implications for both sides.
South Africa vs Ireland Key Stats and Head-to-Head
Rivalries rise and fall in every sport and fans will know that betting on rugby friendlies can be just as exciting as top-level competitions. South Africa vs Ireland has become one of the most intense rugby union match-ups. This wasn’t the case before 2004 because Ireland hadn’t beaten the Springboks in 39 years.
However, since that controversial 17-11 victory at Lansdowne Road, Ireland has won seven of 11 tests against South Africa. The teams have played each other 28 times, with the Springboks winning 18. Ireland is dominating the modern era and slowly narrowing the gap.
South Africa has been in daunting form over their past few games. They hammered Wales 41-13 at home last week to seal a five-game winning streak. Their previous victory was in the World Cup Final, as they narrowly defeated the All-Blacks by a single point. Ironically, their last defeat came in the World Cup Pool stage against Ireland.
That was a massive game for the Irish, as they secured a famous 8-13 win. Many fans and analysts had regarded these teams as the two strongest in the world. It was an incredibly intense and gruelling rugby match as Andy Farrell outsmarted Rassie Erasmus.
Connacht’s Mack Hansen scored a walk-in try before Jonny Sexton added the conversion. Ireland had early line-out issues, but they soon fixed these. Then the South Africans came roaring back with Cheslin Kolbe’s try coming from their formidable scrum. Sexton’s boot soon separated the sides again as he kicked a penalty.
Consistent kicking was the biggest issue for the South Africans. Faf de Klerk and Manie Libbok missed both of their penalties and this was ultimately the difference between the teams. Jack Crowley replaced Sexton late in the game but picked up where the Leinster man left off. His late penalty sealed an iconic victory for the Irish.
Ireland has a horrific record against the Springboks in South Africa. Their only successful test victory on tour against them came in 2016. That’s when they secured a famous 20-16 win in Cape Town. Since then they’ve lost two more games against them in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. However, in all competitions, Ireland has won their last three games against South Africa.
This test will be even tougher for Ireland because they will miss Jamison Gibson-Park. The New Zealand-born star has become the team’s talisman since Jonny Sexton’s retirement. He orchestrates their attack and is central to Andy Farrell’s strategies. Munster’s Craig Casey will probably start in Gibson-Park’s absence.
There’s a big talent gap between the Leinster star and Casey. The latter played against Italy in the Six Nations but didn’t impress for his province this season. This is a massive opportunity for him to prove his worth to his nation and show that he has what it takes to be an international star.
Our 35-player squad departing for South Africa this week! ✈️🇿🇦#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/ObnUzNpMRx
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 24, 2024
Ireland’s out-half selection is another topic of intense debate. Jack Crowley is currently in possession of the starting shirt. Farrell opted against picking Ross or Harry Byrne for this squad. Instead, he opted for their Leinster teammate, Sam Prendergast. Many people think that the U-20 standout is going to be a superstar and the experience will benefit him.
The South Africans have a bone to pick with the Irish. They have a chip on their shoulder after their last meeting with several Springboks accusing the Irish of arrogance. Erasmus has recalled the two-time World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi, even though he plays in France for Racing 92.
It may seem lazy to say that South Africa will bring a physical approach to this match. However, this is their game and they do it better than anybody. They’re going to overwhelm the Irish pack. They’ll likely identify Casey as a potential weak link and they’ll try to expose him.
On paper, this is a friendly, but it’s going to be an intense game. The South Africans won’t hold back against the Irish, especially in front of their home fans. This is a massive test for both teams and a fantastic opportunity to bet on a rugby union match.
South Africa vs Ireland Predictions
Prediction: South Africa 20 – 17 Ireland
Our rugby prediction is for South Africa to win this match by three points. This will be a hard-fought match between two of the world’s best teams. Plus, it represents Ireland’s first call to action after a gruelling rugby club season. We may not see the best version of either side. Both teams are missing big-name players and fatigue may influence the outcome.
The Springboks have more advantages than Ireland ahead of this test match. They will play in front of their home fans and the Irish have an appalling record in South Africa. We expect them to overwhelm Craig Casey and the Irish pack. It remains to be seen how cohesive the Irish will be without Jamison Gibson-Park.
Erasmus’ decision to include Siya Kolisi shows he’s desperate to win this game. The inspirational South Africa captain is one of the greatest players of the modern era. He’s had a mixed tenure in France but always rises to the occasion with his national team.
The South Africans may demolish the Irish in at least one of these two tests. Andy Farrell will want to give chances to some of his lesser-vaunted stars and this will be an opportunity for the Springboks to take advantage. Meanwhile, their club teams have an excellent record against the Irish this season, so they know each other well.
Monitor live betting during this game. South Africa might be the number one-ranked team in the world, but Ireland is a worthy second. The Irish talent can trouble South Africa and could take an early lead. Why not place a stake on the Springboks to make a comeback and win the second half?
South Africa vs Ireland Betting Tips
The Springboks are the favourites for winning this summer test game against Ireland. They’re currently 8/16 on our sports betting platform. This means that a successful €10 stake would win €5.33. Meanwhile, Ireland is a 17/10 underdog with the same stake returning €17. It’s a risky bet given that many Irish players play for Leinster. The province had a long season and fell short in the big games. A lack of motivation may be a factor.
Betting on rugby is exciting because there are many markets and prop bet opportunities. Why not bet on the winning margin? It’s 12/5 for the Springboks to win by 1 to 7 points. This correlates with our predicted scoreline and returns more than an outright prediction.
Another way to make more money off the favourite is to bet on South Africa to win both halves. This is available at 7/5. However, it may be worth backing Ireland to score the first converted try because Jack Crowley is a great kicker. Use our welcome bonus after you create a new account to maximise your stake without risk.
There are massive international rugby union tests this weekend. Why not create an accumulator and back the favourites? We will create a prediction for the New Zealand vs England game, but the All Blacks look more likely. France vs Argentina is another friendly worth betting on with the European side likely to come out on top.
South Africa Team News and Predicted Lineup
Rassie Erasmus selected a 39-man squad for this two-game series against Ireland. Siya Kolisi’s inclusion was the biggest story. He’ll likely play a part, but it remains to be seen if he retains the captaincy. Meanwhile, Cheslin Kolbe and Lukhanyo Am returned from injury. Johan Grobelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels are two uncapped players.
However, the South Africans are missing former Ireland star Jean Kleyn. Lood de Jager, Damian Willemse, and Jasper Wiese are other notable absentees. Evan Roos will probably start at number eight.
- Predicted Line-Up: Willie Le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian De Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Evan Roos, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche.
Ireland Team News and Predicted Lineup
Andy Farrell is missing his most important player: Jamison Gibson-Park. Craig Casey will start ahead of Connacht’s Caolin Blade. Meanwhile, Jack Conan is also out because of personal reasons. Hugo Keenan is pursuing Olympic glory and is unavailable. Mack Hansen has a shoulder injury.
The out-half battle is intriguing, but Jack Crowley should start in this test. Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu is one of three uncapped players in this squad. Garry Ringrose is an automatic pick despite barely playing for Leinster this season.
- Predicted Line-Up: Jimmy O’Brien, Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Caelan Doris, Peter O’Mahony, Ryan Baird, Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, and Andrew Porter.
