Ireland vs Springboks: Electrifying URC star set for third cap

Ireland have named an experienced side to face South Africa in the first Autumn Nations Test for both sides on Saturday.

One relatively new face is a player who is already familiar to South African audiences through the United Rugby Championship.

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Ireland give exciting wing his run

Robert Baloucoune will make just his third appearance for Ireland.

The Ulster wing missed the triumphant tour to New Zealand with Ireland earlier this season but has been in great form in the URC.

Strong and fast and possessed of an eye for a hole, Baloucoune has the potential to be an all-time great Ireland winger.

The Ireland backline is dominated by Leinster, with Johnny Sexton set to act as their general from No 10 as he makes his 109th appearance for his country.

Leinster stars headline

Connor Murray will earn his 100th Ireland cap but thanks to the Lions he is already a Test centurion which gives the hosts tremendous experience in the halfbacks.

Leinster centres Robbie Henshaw and Gary Ringrose continue their long and fruitful partnership for Province and country.

Ireland vs South Africa LIVE: Saturday 5 November 2022

Ireland sport an exciting wing pairing with the hero of the series against the All Blacks, Mack Hansen making his seventh appearance for Ireland starting in the 11 jersey on this occasion.

Leinster also dominate the Irish pack with the Dubliners contributing the entire starting front row and six of the eight members of the pack.

Ireland team to face Springboks

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 23 caps, 14 Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 2 caps, 13 Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 44 caps, 12 Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 60 caps, 11 Mack Hansen (Connacht) 6 caps, 10 Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 108 caps, 9 Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 99 caps; 1 Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 46 caps, 2 Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 10 caps, 3 Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 60 caps, 4 Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 33 caps, 5 James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 46 caps, 6 Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 87 caps, 7 Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 43 caps, 8 Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 20 caps

Replacements: 16 Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 28 caps, 17 Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 118 caps, 18 Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 25 caps, 19 Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 8 caps, 20 Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 30 caps, 21 Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 20 caps, 22 Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 35 caps, 23 Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 6 caps.