Ireland set up South Africa date

The Republic of Ireland are to play World Cup hosts South Africa in a friendly in September.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side will face Bafana Bafana at Thomond Park in Limerick on Tuesday, September 8.

It will be the second senior international game to be hosted by the home of Munster Rugby after Ireland play Australia there on August 12.

The game will come three days after the Republic face Cyprus away as they attempt to keep their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup finals from Group 8 alive.

Trapattoni’s side are currently level at the top of the group with reigning champions Italy, who they face in Bari on April 1 four days after entertaining Bulgaria at Croke Park in Dublin.

The South African squad is likely to include the likes of Blackburn duo Benni McCarthy and Aaron Mokoena, as well as Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar.