\n<\/p>\n
“This is the team we believe will give us the impetus we need against Ireland, who are the second-highest ranked team in the world,” said Erasmus, who has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench.<\/p>\n
“We are blessed to have a lot of depth in our squad, and we are in a fortunate position to have several Rugby World Cup-winners in our ranks who know what it takes to perform at the highest level.<\/p>\n
“The fact that most of these guys have played together is a bonus for us, and most of them have faced Ireland before so they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, especially since we haven\u2019t beaten them since 2016.”<\/p>\n
Ireland have never won a Test series in South Africa but were the only team to defeat the Springboks during the World Cup in a thrilling 13-8 win the pool stages in Paris. <\/p>\n
Andy Farrell will announce his team for the opening match on Thursday.<\/p>\n
South Africa:<\/b> W le Roux; C Kolbe; J Kriel, D de Allende; KL Arendse; H Pollard; F de Klerk; O Nche, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, F Mostert; S Kolisi (capt), PS du Toit, K Smith. <\/p>\n
Replacements<\/i>: M Marx, G Steenekamp, V Koch, S Moerat, RG Snyman, M van Staden, G Williams, S Feinberg-Mngomezulu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n