Teams manage a try apiece but match tilts Ireland’s way thanks to the boots of Johnny Sexton and Jack Crowley
Much pre-match talk has concerned the Springboks 7:1 split on the bench, with sensible pondering of the inherent risk of having only a scrum-half as backs cover; while the more loco takes. There is method to it, though. Ireland have a mobile and dymanic game with much expected of the forwards, so having nearly two entire packs to burn themselves out defending, dominating and therefore negating this opposition strength is unusual but not unhinged.
Other than this, both sides have gone with what would be expected. Ireland’s first choice match squad is more predictable than Jonny Wilkinson making no sense on television and South Africa’s 23 is not too far off that.
Huge import has been heaped upon this match for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it should be a titanic battle of two of the best teams, with the whole ‘putting a marker down’ narrative to the fore. Although, I’m not sure how much store I would put in that, myself, given we remain three weeks out from the business end of the tournament.
On current predictions, topping the group would lead to a likely clash with the All Blacks and Fiji or Argentina waiting in the semis; runner-up means France next, then a semi with England or Wales. Not a huge amount between those two routes, so depending on how you wish to look at it, the result of this game means a huge amount or ultimately very little.
Whatever the context, though, this remains a standalone fixture to get your nerve endings going on this, the highest stage in the sport.