Joe Schmidt has made five changes to the Irish team that beat the Springboks and won Ireland’s first ever Test in South Africa, for the game on Saturday, 19th June – including a first cap for South African-born Quinn Roux.
Roux left South Africa in 2012 to play for Leinster, on what was originally only a short-term deal. Roux stayed on to play for Leinster for three years, before moving to Connacht. He qualifies for Ireland under the three-year residency rule. Roux will partner Devin Toner at lock.
The other changes in the team see Tadhg Furlong come in for Mike Ross in the front row, Stuart Olding replaces Luke Marshall in the centre and Craig Gilroy replaces Keith Earls on the wing.
Iain Henderson replaces CJ Stander, who was red carded in the last game and banned for this Test. Henderson comes in at 6, while Rhys Ruddok switches to no.7
Stander was playing his first game against his native country when he was red carded after a dangerous challenge on the Springbok out-half Pat Lambie. Ironically enough, both Stander and Lambie played together at U20 level for South Africa. Lambie had to be stretchered from the field after the challenge.
Reportedly, Stander immediately regretted his actions and made sure his former teammate wasn’t in any danger before retiring to the dressing room to compose himself. Later, after Ireland won the Test, he was reluctant to join in the on-the-pitch celebrations. At the post-match dinner, Stander apologised to Lambie for his actions.
Lambie will also miss the second Test, replaced by Elton Janjtes.
Ireland defeated South Africa last Saturday in an historic win for the country. It was the first time that Ireland had ever won a Test match against South Africa in South Africa.
It was an heroic win, especially considering that Ireland had to play for 60 minutes of the match with only 14 men. At one point, Ireland were reduced to13 men after Robbie Henshaw was sin-binned after a high tackle on Elton Janjtes.
Now, Ireland have a chance to make history by clinching the series. It would be Ireland’s greatest ever achievement in rugby, eclipsing both Grand Slam wins, in 1948 and 2009.
It will be a very tough game, though. The match will be at altitude, and the Springboks will not be looking to be embarrassed a second time in succession. Also the Irish players will be fatigued after their amazing defensive play in the last Test.
Ireland: Jared Payne (Ulster), Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Stuart Olding (Ulster), Craig Gilroy (Ulster), Paddy Jackson (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Quinn Roux (Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster, captain), Jack McGrath (Leinster)
Replacements: Richardt Strauss (Leinster), David Kilcoyne (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Seán Reidy (Ulster), Kieran Marmion (Connacht), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Tiernan O’Halloran (Connacht)
South Africa: Willie le Roux; JP Pietersen, Lionel Mapoe, Damian de Allende, Lwazi Mvovo; Elton Jantjes, Faf de Klerk; Tendai Mtawarira, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit; Francois Louw, Siya Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane, Julian Redelinghuys, Franco Mostert, Warren Whiteley, Rudy Paige, Morne Steyn, Ruan Combrinck.
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.
Unfortunately, the only criteria for this Dream XV are that you had to have passed away. During my research, I thought of potential players…
Rassie Erasmus will coach champions South Africa to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery added to the technical team…
What goes up must come down, right? As the kicking game in rugby has continued to progress and progress over the last few years,…
South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been admitted to hospital after a freak accident left him with chemical burns. Erasmus, who has…
Rugby has had some ridiculous kickers. The ability and skill with the boot can turn the course of a play, a scoreline, or a…
Thieves have touched the William Webb Ellis trophy during a break-in at South African Rugby Union's HQ but thankfully decided against swiping the World…
