Ireland v South Africa: 3 key areas that will decide Rugby World Cup clash
Ireland Rugby Captain's Run, Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France 22/9/2023
Everything about South Africa’s team selection, including that now infamous bench composition of seven forwards and just one back, points to an effort to dictate terms at Stade de France on Saturday night. Ireland’s modus operandi under head coach Andy Farrell has been to play at a high tempo, keeping the ball alive and in play for as long as possible.
When it clicks, and ruck ball is provided at lightning quick speed for scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park to kick start an attacking play, Ireland have proven irresistible on the front foot and at times a near unstoppable force.
So slowing that recycle down and narrowing decision-making time in possession through rapid defensive line speed will be top priorities for Springboks head coach Jacque Nienaber while Farrell and his brains trust of assistants and experienced players will demand clarity of thought under intense pressure and accuracy to stay disciplined and in control of proceedings.
It should not go unnoticed that among those seven South African forwards lying in wait among the replacements are three openside flankers – Deon Fourie, also the nominated back-up hooker, Marco van Staden, another able to play hooker, and Kwagga Smith, who can fill in at centre.
It is their primary role though, along with starting number seven Pieter-Steph du Toit and fellow aggressors such as Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi, that pose dangers for Ireland in contact. South Africa will target Irish ruck ball, looking for turnovers, penalties and at the very least to slow down that potentially lethal recycle and as mentioned previously, the onus will be on Ireland to stay composed and execute cleanly and efficiently to maintain their potency through phase play.
Ireland’s turning of the corner in terms of lineout delivery in last Saturday’s victory over the Tongans was a significant return to form, providing captain Johnny Sexton and his fellow playmakers with the platform to cause plenty of damage. Five of their eight tries in the 59-16 victory stemmed from the set-piece, either through driving mauls or meticulously executed starter plays off first or second phase.
It is clearly a serious Irish strength but in South Africa they are coming up against one of the best, if not the best defensive lineout unit with Etzebeth, fellow lock Franco Mostert and Pieter-Steph du Toit the disruptors in chief.
Ireland’s lineout unit led by James Ryan will have to perform at the peak of its powers to continue its rediscovered form.
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