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Autumn Nations Series

Boks bring back big guns with 11 changes as Erasmus looks to end Ireland hoodoo

Josh Raisey

162 days ago

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of South Africa celebrates scoring his team's fourth try with teammates during the Autumn Nations Series 2025 match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on November 08, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Rassie Erasmus has made 11 changes to his South Africa side as he looks to earn his first ever win in Dublin with the Springboks.

Ireland remain the only team Erasmus has failed to beat on their home turf, and he has named a full strength side to end that run.

The only four players that remain in the starting XV from the side that triumphed over Italy 32-14 last week are loosehead Boan Venter, captain Siya Kolisi, winger Canan Moodie and full-back Damian Willemse. Moodie will start on the wing on this occasion, having played at outside centre against the Azzurri.

VIDEO

The bench has a familiar feel to it now, with Andre Esterhuizen occupying that utility role as a forward and back. Unlike last week, Erasmus has opted for a hooker on the bench, with Johan Grobbelaar getting the nod.

Despite being cleared to play after his red card against Italy, Franco Mostert does not feature in the squad. RG Snyman is the second-row option on the bench, and will earn his 50th cap should he come on.

Fixture

Internationals

Ireland

13 - 24

Full-time

South Africa

All Stats and Data

“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.”

Springboks XV
15 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 47 caps, 66 pts (6t, 9c, 4p, 2dg)
14 Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 20 caps, 40 pts (8t)
13 Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 86 caps, 100 pts (20t)
12 Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 95 caps, 55 pts (11t)
11 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 48 caps, 126 pts (21t, 3c, 5p)
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 17 caps, 137 pts (6t, 34c, 13p)
9 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 48 caps, 90 pts (18t)
8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 41 caps, 10 pts (2t)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 94 caps, 70 pts (14t)
6 Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 101 caps, 70 pts (14t)
5 Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 16 caps, 0 pts
4 Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 139 caps, 35 pts (7t)
3 Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 31 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 86 caps, 135 pts (27t)
1 Boan Venter (Edinburgh) – 7 caps, 5 pts (1t)

Replacements
16 Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 pts
17 Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 14 caps, 5 pts (1t)
18 Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19 RG Snyman (Leinster) – 49 caps, 15 points (3t)
20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 61 caps, 55 pts (11t)
21 Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 27 caps, 20 pts (4t)
22 Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 27 caps, 35 pts (7t)
23 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 27 caps, 145 pts (2t, 48c, 13p)

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Comments

40 Comments

DP 162 days ago

No surprises he has picked his strongest available, no less than the Irish deserve. The midfield… would have liked to see Hooker at 12 given a run and an extra cap in a cauldron.

Frans 162 days ago

Rassie has stated he wants to have at least 20 caps for every player in his World Cup squad - looking at the caps among the youngsters he is well on his way to achieving the goal.

fl 162 days ago

its the guys he’ll bring in next season you need to worry about

Ninjin 162 days ago

This is a very strong team with clear intent shown to go all out for this one. I am thinking statement victory in the mind of Rassie.

Eric Elwood 162 days ago

What does “statement victory” mean?

Are you saying he could play a weaker team and get a victory but is playing a strong team to get a “Statement Victory” (Hammer Ireland?).

I would imagine Erasmus will be happy with any win in Dublin, similar to Paris.

The last time the teams played it was SAs most capped team of all time and an injury hit Ireland beat them in Durban.

A little respect to Ireland may be due from some SA supporters.

Dave Didley 162 days ago

Nice to get their full respect with a blockbuster team. It seems that the Aviva is as much of an Everest as Eden Park. That’s progress.

Ninjin 162 days ago

Ireland are not a minow so why field a c team? Last game of the year ( Wales dont count) so put it all out there and give the spectators a show. I am sure Ireland will not hold back for this one also. All this respect bs is getting old. Our best vs your best and the rest from Aus and Nz. Awesome game of rugby in the making yes.

SB 162 days ago

Strongest team possible.

Hammer Head 162 days ago

Surprised they named anyone at 5 at all.

Ninjin 162 days ago

5 is safe bar taking someones head off. The ref and team might be a bit conservative as Ireland and the Springboks were wrongly sanctioned in their previous games.

Dave Didley 162 days ago

Hopefully the PA announcer will be drunk. Very drunk.

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