Rugby World Cup Clash: South Africa vs Ireland – Kick-off Time, TV Channel, and More

South Africa vs Ireland: Rugby World Cup Kick-Off Time, TV Channel, Team News, Lineups, Venue, and Odds

The Highly Anticipated Clash

The clash between South Africa and Ireland in the Rugby World Cup has been highly anticipated ever since the World Cup draw was made. Both teams are considered to be favorites for the tournament and are expected to provide a brutally physical match. South Africa, the defending champions, have been impressive so far, defeating Scotland and Romania. They have a strong chance of successfully defending their World Cup crown, as only New Zealand has accomplished that feat before. On the other hand, Ireland, the number-one ranked side in the world, is eager to win their first title on the biggest stage.

Date, Kick-Off Time, and Venue

The South Africa vs Ireland match will take place on September 23, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST. The game will be held at the Stade de France in Paris.

How to Watch

In the UK, the South Africa vs Ireland match will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7.15pm. Fans can also watch the action live online via the ITVX website and app. For live updates, you can follow Standard Sport’s live match blog.

Team News

South Africa, having rotated their squad for the win over Romania, will return to almost the same side that defeated Scotland in their tournament opener. The only change is the absence of the injured Malcolm Marx, with Bongi Mbonambi taking his place at hooker. Eben Etzebeth, who sustained a shoulder injury against Scotland, has recovered and will start. Captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit will also be back in the side. Cobus Reinach, who excelled against Romania, is the only back named among the South Africa replacements.

Ireland, meanwhile, will make only one change from their winning side against Tonga. Jamison Gibson-Park will start as scrum-half instead of Conor Murray. Dan Sheehan is back from injury and will be on the bench, while Ronan Kelleher will start at hooker. Finlay Bealham will also be among the replacements after passing head injury tests.

Lineups

South Africa XV: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe; Etzebeth, Mostert; Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Wiese

Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Van Staden, Smith, Reinach

Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (c), Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong; Ryan, Beirne; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris

Replacements: Sheehan, Bealham, Kilcoyne, Henderson, Baird, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw

Referee

The referee for the South Africa vs Ireland match will be New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe.

Prediction

The South Africa vs Ireland match is expected to be a closely contested battle between the world champions and the number-one ranked side in the world. South Africa’s bench, with seven forwards as substitutes, indicates the physical dominance they will bring to the game. Ireland will face a massive test against South Africa’s “Bomb Squad” and will need to withstand their relentless pressure. Although Ireland defeated South Africa in a previous encounter, the pressure seems to be on them to perform this time. A defeat could put them at risk of an early exit from the tournament. Given the physicality and intensity of the match, it is likely to be decided by a small margin. The prediction is for South Africa to win by three points.

Head-to-Head History and Results

In their most recent encounter, Ireland won by a narrow margin of 19-16 in Dublin. Throughout their nine meetings since 2006, only twice has the winning margin been greater than ten points. Therefore, another close match can be expected.

Odds

The latest odds for the South Africa vs Ireland match are as follows:

– South Africa to win: 5/6
– Ireland to win: 11/10
– Draw: 18/1

(Odds subject to change, provided by Betfair)

About the Author

Matt Verri is a sports journalist and writer who provided the information for this report.

Conclusion

The South Africa vs Ireland match in the Rugby World Cup is a highly anticipated clash between two favorites for the tournament. It is expected to be a physically demanding and closely contested battle. Fans can watch the match live and free to air on ITV1 in the UK, while online streaming is available via the ITVX website and app. Both teams have announced their lineups, with South Africa making minimal changes and Ireland making only one change from their winning side against Tonga. The match is predicted to be decided by a small margin, with South Africa expected to come out victorious.