Ireland v South Africa: Kick-off time, TV channel info, live stream and more for rugby test
South Africa plays host to two Irish test matches this Summer with the first on Saturday
Ireland begins their two-match test series of South Africa on Saturday against the Springboks.
Andy Farrell's side are looking for a historic win in South Africa opener this weekend, despite crucially never winning a game in the country. Farrell believes this is a great test for Ireland and an opportunity for development.
“Travelling to South Africa to play a Test Series against the defending world champions provides no greater test for us, and it is another valuable opportunity for us to further grow and develop from the Guinness Six Nations," Farrell said.
Ireland has included three uncapped players in the squad, as Leinster duo Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast are rewarded for their performances, while Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu earns his first senior call-up. Farrell has yet to name his starting team but there is expected to be changes to the side that last lined up against Scotland in March.
The Springboks have already named their starting team for Saturday, with head coach Rassie Erasmus naming a full-strength side of 12 starters from the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in his lineup. The three changes are Willie le Roux, Kwagga Smith, and Ox Nche who did come on as replacements against New Zealand but will be starting on Saturday in Pretoria.
The two teams that share a heated rivalry will play twice this Summer as part of a test series, with the first coming on Saturday in Pretoria. And the second and final game of the series coming next Saturday in Durban.
Here's all you need to know about this test match:
Where is the game on?
The match will take place in Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
What time is the game?
The match kicks off at 4 PM Irish time. Local time in the stadium will be 5 PM.
What TV channel is it on and can I stream it?
Sky Sports have won the rights to air Ireland's Summer Test Series, and will air the game live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage beginning at 3:30 PM. If you don't have a Sky subscription, a NOWTV day pass would allow you to stream the match live.
Team information
Andy Farrell will name his side to play the Springboks on Thursday afternoon. However, the reigning Six Nations champions are without several key players with injuries plaguing the side. Hugo Keenan is out as he's with the Irish Olympic sevens team while Leinster pair Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Conan were ruled out due to injury and personal issues respectively. The prolific Mack Hansen, who played and scored against the Springboks in last year's World Cup, is also out due to injury. Ulster captain Iain Henderson was ruled out early in May due to toe surgery.
Rassie Erasmus has named his side to start on Saturday as follows:
Willie le Roux; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith.
Replacements:
Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Salmaan Moerat, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Betting odds
South Africa - 4/11
Draw - 17/1
Ireland - 12/5
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