Erasmus names impressive Springboks side for first test against Ireland

It is the second most experienced South African line-up in their Test history, the combined total of 966 caps beaten only by the 987 caps of the World Cup final side

South Africa team for Saturday's first test against Ireland

Ireland are set to face 20 World Cup winners when they face South Africa on Saturday after Rassie Erasmus named an experienced matchday squad for the first Test at Loftus Versfeld.

The Springbok head coach, who has resumed the reins after Jacques Nienaber moved to Leinster following their successful 2023 World Cup title defence last October, on Tuesday named 15 starters and five replacements from that same selection which overcame New Zealand at Stade de France for the first leg of a two-Test series with the back-to-back Six Nations champions.