Ireland v South Africa at the Rugby World Cup: Kick-off time, TV details and team news

With two games down its now crunch time as Ireland take on current World Cup Champions on Saturday at the Stade de France. 

SUPPORT: Irish support has been massive so far and expect a sea of green in Paris on Saturday.  Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

It's the clash of the Ireland's group as the world number one team take on the current Rugby World Cup champions on Saturday. Both teams have gotten off to winning starts with two wins under their belts and will go head-to-head to claim top spot in the group after round three. Here is everything you need to know about the fixture.

Where is the game being played?

The game is being played in the 80,023 seater national stadium Stade de France in Paris.

VENUE: The game is being played in the French national stadium Stade de France in Paris. 

What time is kick-off?

Game is kicking off at 8pm Irish time (9pm local time).

Where to watch?

The game will be live on RTÈ 2 from 7pm. It will also be streamed on the RTÈ Player. The game will also be shown live on ITV.

Who is the referee?

Ben O'Keeffe from New Zealand will be the man in the middle for the game. This is O'Keefe's second game of this years tournament and it is his second World Cup Tournament. He was the youngest referee at the 2019 RWC in Japan where he took charge of three group stage matches. He took charge of the second test match between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Ben O'Keefe from New Zealand will take charge of the clash. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Team News

Ireland: H Keenan; M Hansen, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe; J Sexton, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, R Kelleher, T Furlong; T Beirne, J Ryan; P O'Mahony, J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: D Sheehan, D Kilcoyne, F Bealham, I Henderson, R Baird, C Murray, J Crowley, R Henshaw.

South Africa: D Willemse; KL Arendse, J Kriel, D de Allende, C Kolbe; M Libbok, F de Klerk; S Kitshoff, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, F Mostert; S Kolisi, PS du Toit, J Wiese.

Replacements: D Fourie, O Nche, T Nyakane, J Kleyn, RG Snyman, M van Staden, K Smith, C Reinach.

Stats

Bundee Aki is off to a flying start and topping the charts over a number of categories with the most tries (4), most carries (39), most defenders beaten (18) and the most metres made (375m) so far at the RWC.

LEADING THE WAY: Bundee Aki is leading the way for Ireland with four tries, most metres made, most carries and most defenders beaten. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The key to Ireland's success out wide is that they are the only team at the tournament with a ruck speed under three seconds (2.92seconds). 

South Africa have registered the lowest percentage of pick-and-go carries in the tournament to date with just five per cent. They have been the second worst team for turnovers lost with only Italy conceding more (17.5 per game).

World Ranking

The number one world ranking is on the line this Saturday when Ireland take on South Africa. 

If South Africa defeat Ireland they will end Andy Farrell's side 14 month reign at the top with Ireland possibly dropping to third in the world should France defeat Namibia.

France cannot improve their rating by beating Namibia in their Pool A encounter as a result of the 28.98 rating points between the sides.

If Ireland draw with South Africa they will remain at number one albeit by 0.09 rating points. 

If Ireland win they will remain number one with a cushion growing out to as much as 6.05 rating points over South Africa if the margin is more than 15 points.

A defeat for South Africa will see them drop to third below France should they win.

What are this weekend's other matches?

Friday Sept 22 - Argentina v Samoa, Saint-Ètienne, 4.45pm

Saturday Sept 23 - Georgia v Portugal, Toulouse, 1pm

Saturday Sept 23 - England v Chile, Lille, 4.45pm

Sunday Sept 24 - Scotland v Tonga, Nice, 4.45pm

Sunday Sept 24 - Wales v Australia, Lyon, 8pm