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South Africa claimed a 2-1 series victory over Ireland in the third Test between the two sides on Sunday morning (AEST), winning the match by six points.
REPORT: SPRINGBOKS CLINCH SERIES
Final score
South Africa 19
Ireland 13
The first two Tests of the South Africa and Ireland series have been contests for the ages. In Cape Town, Ireland prevailed 26-20 despite playing with 14 men for an hour. In Johannesburg, South Africa rallied from a 26-10 deficit to snatch a monumental 32-26 triumph. Will the decider produce as much drama? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1am (AEST).
A bruising and brilliant series has forced both sides to make changes to their respective line-ups for the third test.
The hosts have introduced Ellis Park heroes Warren Whiteley and Ruan Combrinck for their starting debuts. Whiteley replaces the injured Duane Vermeulen, whose abrasive physicality will be missed by the Boks.
Combrinck’s addition, at the expense of Lwazi Mvovo, comes after his stellar performance last week. Combrinck’s ability to breach the line was superior, but his kicking strength in the territory battle will be pivotal too.
Elsewhere the Springboks are unchanged, though JP Pietersen swaps wings, and the Lions’ Jaco Kriel will be making his debut off the bench.
Ireland will welcome back first-choice blindside flanker CJ Stander, who has served his one-week suspension after his red card at Newlands. The former South African Under-20 rep will partner Jordi Murphy, who has also been recalled, in a new look back row.
Tiernan O’Halloran will make his first Test start – after a three minute debut off the bench last Saturday – in the absence of the injured Jared Payne. O’Halloran will be targeted with high-kicks so needless to say his handling and kicking will be vital to Ireland’s fortunes.
The remainder of the Irish side is settled and halfback Conor Murray wins his 50th cap. Peter Stringer (98) and Eoin Reddan (70) are the only other Irish halfbacks to reach the half-century mark for Ireland.
Some things to consider:
The Boks have made 100 more carries than Ireland in the series, but in the last test alone committed a massive 19 turnovers and have been on the wrong end of the penalty count in both games.
Since 1960 South Africa have played 19 tests in Port Elizabeth for 17 wins, a draw and a defeat. The lone defeat was suffered in 1974 (9-26) to the British and Irish Lions. In 2012 England held the Springboks to a 12-12 draw. Ireland have never played at the venue.
The two counties have played each other 24 times. South Africa have enjoyed 17 wins, Ireland six and a 1970 Test at Lansdowne Road that was drawn 8-8. Ireland have won five of the last eight Tests since 2004.
Ireland beat Australia in two tests in 1979, it’s the only time they have conquered a Southern Hemisphere team in a Test series.
Irish rugby has never been stronger, remember the Under-20s are in the final of the IRB Junior World Championships after this game, but the Senior side have blown some big chances doe real greatness, like the 19-0 lead that was lost to the All Blacks in 2014 when the Irish were on the brink of their first ever win against New Zealand.
Ireland fell apart in the World Cup quarter final after a strong showing in the Pool games and of course last week history beckoned, but was blown.
Tip: South Africa by ten.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.