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Irish veterans Ringrose and van der Flier return for South Africa Test / Photo: © AFP
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Irish veterans Ringrose and van der Flier return for South Africa Test
Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier return to the Ireland starting line-up for the daunting challenge of world champions South Africa in their final Autumn Nations Series Test on Saturday.
Both Ringrose and 2022 world player of the year van der Flier, who will win their 69th and 75th caps respectively, have recovered from hamstring twinges that resulted in them missing the victories over Japan and Australia.
Ringrose, who will partner Bundee Aki in the centres, and flanker van der Flier were in the side that inflicted on the Springboks their only defeat (13-8 in a pool match) in South Africa's march to a second successive world title in 2023.
Head coach Andy Farrell -- who has lost just once in four Tests against the Springboks -- said he was hoping that the Irish would back up on last Saturday's record 46-19 hammering of Australia.
"South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend," he said.
"Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we'll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively."
Andrew Porter returns to start at prop alongside fellow British and Irish Lions front rowers, hooker Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.
Farrell entrusts the playmaking duties again to Sam Prendergast after his sparkling hour-long display against the Wallabies, although replacement fly-half Jack Crowley also performed well when he came on.
Prendergast will be alongside Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park, who was outstanding against Australia at scrum-half but also ended up playing fullback and created the final try.
The starting fullback spot is filled by Mack Hansen, who marked his first Test appearance in that role with a hat-trick of tries against the Wallabies.
But the Australia-born livewire will likely have a tougher day at the office defensively on Saturday with the Springboks seeking their first win in Dublin since 2012 -- and to make it three wins from three on their northern hemisphere tour.
"The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you're at home," said Farrell.
"There's familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025."
Team (15-1)
Mack Hansen; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Ryan Baird; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter
Replacements (16-23): Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Tom Farrell
Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)
V.Pyo--SG
