Ireland v South Africa will set the agenda for the rest of the tournament

In theory, both sides, tactically and technically, have enough to beat the other. The decisive factors in this match will be execution and composure

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC: Siya Kolisi during the South Africa rugby squad captain's run at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, Paris, France. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The time for talking is over. The most anticipated game of Rugby World Cup 2023 is only hours away and it will the set the agenda for the rest of the tournament.

Ireland and South Africa – the No 1 and 2 teams in the world – shouldn’t be meeting in Pool play but that’s the reality of the draw and the reality of what players and coaches will have to deal with.