Editor
South Africa took a much-needed six-point win over Ireland in a come-from-behind victory early on Sunday morning (AEST), scoring Allister Coetzee’s first win as coach.
REPORT: SPRINGBOKS GET NARROW WIN
Final score
South Africa 32
Ireland 26
South Africa are looking to bounce back from a historic loss this morning, taking on Ireland inside Johannesburg. Follow all the live highlights and action from 1:05am (AEST) on The Roar.
Winning their first ever game on South African soil to open the series, Ireland ground out a beautiful victory over the Springboks with just 14 men, following a CJ Stander red card in the first half.
A frustrated Boks side failed to capitalise on their chances with the lion’s share of possession in field position in their pocket, a failed trait that skipper Adriaan Strauss is well aware of coming into the second Test.
“We need to right the wrong,” Strauss said, “It’s about our own standards. We have the ability to be better and have a much higher expectation of ourselves.”
The South Africans have been hit with the injury stick coming into this one, with coach Allister Coetzee making five changes to his squad, four of them forced.
Lood de Jager and Pat Lambie are the two alterations to the starting 15, being ruled out with calf and concussion issues respectively. They will be replaced by Pieter-Steph du Toit at lock and Elton Jantjies at fly half.
Meanwhile on the bench, Franco Mostert and Ruan Combrink are set to make their international debuts, joining veteran Morne Steyn as inclusions to the match day squad.
For Ireland, coach Joe Schmidt has also made five changes to his side, including three new bloods making their debut, Quinn Roux, Sean Reidy and Tiernan O’Halloran.
Prediction
South Africa have their tails tucked between their legs after the shock loss in the first Test, but you can expect a renewed, more aggressive Boks outfit to take the fight back at the Irish.
In saying that, Ireland have a top notch squad that have proven toughness on the international stage, and confidence that’s riding high.
Ireland have a very real chance at sealing the series here this morning, but it should be the Boks that get the win at home in a close one.
South Africa to win by 9
Can South Africa return serve after the first test? Or will Ireland make history once again with a big win on the road? Follow all the live highlights and action from 1:05am (AEST) on The Roar.