Erasmus brings back France-beating lineup as Springboks look to conquer Dublin

The return of the "France slayers" comes on a milestone weekend for towering lock RG Snyman, who is set to earn his 50th Test cap when South Africa face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

With most players rested last week against Italy to allow Erasmus to field a fresh side, he has returned to his trusted combinations as the Boks aim for what may be the final major milestone this generation has not yet achieved - a win on Irish soil.

The only changes to Erasmus' squad from the one that did battle against France see Ruan Nortje promoted from the replacements bench to the starting lineup in place of Lood de Jager, while Kwagga Smith returns to the team on the bench in his place.

The other change to the squad is in the backline, where Canan Moodie switches from centre to wing to fill the void left by Kurt-Lee Arendse, who has returned to South Africa after suffering a concussion last week.

De Jager and fellow lock Franco Mostert were not considered for selection due to their disciplinary appeals and hearings this week, to avoid affecting the team's preparations for the match.

Props Boan Venter and Thomas du Toit will form the front row with hooker Malcolm Marx; Eben Etzebeth and Nortje will start at lock; with Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese completing a powerful forward pack.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach will reunite with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, with Cheslin Kolbe and Moodie on the wings, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel pairing up in the midfield, and Damian Willemse at fullback.

Erasmus' bench includes the back-up front row of Johan Grobelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Wilco Louw, while Snyman will provide cover at lock, Smith at loose forward, hybrid Esterhuizen able to cover flanker and centre, and two specialist backs in Grant Williams and Manie Libbok.

"The majority of this team were rested last week to ensure that they recover from the physically taxing match against France, and it was always our plan to name an experienced outfit against Ireland," said Erasmus.

"Most of these players have faced Ireland in Dublin, as well as in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Castle Lager Incoming Series, so they understand the magnitude of this challenge and what to expect from the hosts. So, we believe this is the right group of players for this match."

"We are thrilled for RG's 50th and we'll do everything we can to hopefully make this a special occasion for him. He's a great player and team man, and had it not been for injuries along the way, he would have probably earned 50 caps a while ago. He deserves this achievement, and it speaks volumes about the quality of the player he is.

"It will take a colossal effort [to beat Ireland], but we are excited about the challenge, and we know that we have to be razor sharp in all departments to get the desired result."

South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok

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