Ireland v South Africa: Who'll lay down a marker in primetime showdown?

Andy Farrell says his side are ready for the challenge the Boks will bring.

QUEIT WORD: Head Coach Andy Farrell. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Separating the occasion from the objective has been a theme of the messaging from the Ireland camp this week as they have prepared to face South Africa but as World Cup pool matches go, the rest of us can sit back in appreciation of the prospects for a proper barnstormer.

The two highest-ranked teams in the world, top dogs and Grand Slam winners Ireland versus defending champions South Africa at a sold-out and green-tinged Stade de France under the lights in prime time – if that doesn’t whet the appetite for a Saturday night’s entertainment then nothing will.