Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose to make starting lineup comeback against Springboks
Ireland’s rugby team is gearing up for a crucial clash against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:40 PM this Saturday. Following an impressive 46-19 victory over Australia, head coach Andy Farrell is contemplating several changes to his starting lineup.
Injury Updates
Notable players Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose are in contention to return after recovering from hamstring injuries. Both athletes missed previous matches against Japan and Australia. Their availability was confirmed after Monday’s injury update.
Potential Changes to Starting XV
Speculations suggest that three to four changes might occur in Ireland’s starting lineup. Players Andrew Porter and Bundee Aki also demonstrated their game impact when they came off the bench against the Wallabies, contributing to a late surge of three tries.
Key Players to Watch
- Josh van der Flier: A consistent starter for Ireland with 21 out of 23 Tests played.
- Garry Ringrose: A crucial component of Ireland’s defensive strategy.
- Sam Prendergast: Likely to retain the number 10 jersey after a strong performance against Australia.
Last Week’s Performance
Paddy McCarthy had a remarkable debut last week but is expected to join the bench this time. The lineup is anticipated to feature the Lions front row of Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong. The backline may see Aki or Robbie Henshaw partner with Ringrose at center.
South Africa’s Expected Lineup
The Springboks, under coach Rassie Erasmus, are likely to revert to their strongest squad following a 32-14 win over Italy. This game plan aims to ensure they face Ireland at full strength after previously beating France 32-17 with a red card complication.
- Lood de Jager is suspended and will not play against Ireland.
- Franco Mostert may give way to Ruan Nortje in the lock position.
- Key players include Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as the starting halfbacks.
Match Day Overview
As the fans anticipate the lineup announcement on Thursday, the return of both Van der Flier and Ringrose remains a focal point. Their experience and skills could be pivotal in taking on the formidable Springboks.
Conclusion
This match not only serves as a crucial stepping stone in the tournament but also allows Ireland to showcase the depth and talent within their ranks. As the team navigates through injuries and selection decisions, a thrilling encounter is expected.
