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Who will be replacing Ireland's ageing golden generation if they don't make RWC 2027
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Ireland recall four Lions for Springboks clash
By Josh Raisey
Andy Farrell has made four changes to his Ireland team that will take on South Africa on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium, calling up a quartet of British and Irish Lions.
After missing last week’s 46-19 victory over Australia, 2025 Lions tourists Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose faced a fitness battle to make the showdown with the world champions. Both have been passed fit, and will start in their respective positions.
Van der Flier’s return has bumped Jack Conan to the bench, with captain Caelan Doris starting at No.8, while Ringrose’s return sees Robbie Henshaw drop out of the squad.
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A further two Lions have come back into the starting XV after being on the bench last week – Andrew Porter will start at loosehead prop, with Paddy McCarthy dropping to the bench, and Bundee Aki starting at inside centre with Stuart McCloskey injured.
South Africa will arrive in Dublin looking to end the Quilter Nations Series undefeated, with Rassie Erasmus also looking for his first win at Ireland’s home as Springboks boss.
“South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend,” Farrell said. “Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we’ll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively.
“The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you’re at home. There’s familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025.”
Ireland XV
15. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(29)
14. Tommy O’Brien (Blackrock College/Leinster)(5)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(68)
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(67)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(42)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(12)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(45)
1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(78)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(34)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(81)
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(75)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(64)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(32)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(74)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(54)(captain)
Replacements
16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(42)
17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(3)
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(53)
19. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(7)
20. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(54)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(23)
22. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(29)
23. Tom Farrell (Lansdowne/Munster)(1)
