Ireland coach Farrell brings back Bundee Aki for clash with Springboks in Dublin

Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team for Saturday’s clash against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 7.40pm, SA time), with loose forward Caelan Doris captaining the side for the sold-out encounter with the world champions.

Mack Hansen continues at full-back, with Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe either side of him on the wings.

There is a new centre pairing for Ireland as Bundee Aki partners the fit-again Garry Ringrose, with Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park continuing in the half-backs.

The sturdily-built Aki has been a thorn in the flesh of the Springboks in recent seasons.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are the starting front row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, as Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris complete the Ireland starting team in the back row.

Farrell has strong options on the bench as he opted for a five-three split. Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan are the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell provide the backline reinforcements.

Commenting ahead of Saturday's eagerly-awaited match, Farrell said: “South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested. We’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend’s defeat of Australia and approach the game positively.

“The players were galvanised by the support last weekend, and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home. 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.”

Ireland team

15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.

Bench: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell.