South Africa vs Ireland 1st Test Predictions - Ireland to get close against Springboks

At the World Cup last year, these sides only scored 21 points combined and the time before, 35. There is value in this fixture being close again with Ireland losing by less than seven.

Ireland have won their last three matches against South Africa, but have only one once in South Africa in 10 games.

See the full history between the top two ranked nations here.

South Africa come into this home series as the world No.1 ranked side and also as the world champions. They defeated New Zealand 12-11 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

Since then, South Africa have only played one game, beating Wales 41-13 a fortnight ago at Twickenham. Despite being back-to-back world champions and favourites for this series, Ireland have proven the one side that the Springboks just can’t beat since Rassie Erasmus took over.

South Africa have the better head-to-head record but Ireland have won their last three games against the Boks. The last of which was a 13-8 win in the 2023 Rugby World Cup group stage.

Rassie Erasmus has picked a side littered with experience, although there are a few new faces around. This is the second-most capped team ever, after the World Cup final last year.

Ireland went into the Rugby World Cup last year as favourites alongside hosts, France. Neither passed the quarter-final stage.

That will still be hurting the Irish as they beat South Africa in the group stage. Since then, Ireland have managed to defend their Six Nations crown, albeit quite unconvincingly towards the end.

They began with a cracking performance to beat France in Paris and followed it up with big home wins over Italy and Wales. Ireland then lost by a point to England at Twickenham before closing off with a 17-13 home win over Scotland.

Ireland have had to make some changes with Jonny Sexton retiring. However, they’ve had enough time in the Six Nations to settle on a side, one that still largely consists of the players from previous years.