- Springboks opt for seven forwards on the bench against Ireland

Lock Eben Etzebeth has been declared fit to play for South Africa against Ireland in their Rugby World Cup Pool B match in Paris on Saturday. Coach Jacques Nienaber has chosen to have seven forwards on the bench for this crucial fixture. Etzebeth, known for his physicality, had been dealing with a shoulder injury but will still take his place alongside Franco Mostert in the second row. The starting XV remains unchanged from the team that defeated Scotland, except for Bongi Mbonambi, who replaces the injured Malcolm Marx at hooker. The replacements include Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden as hooker options, as well as RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn as backup locks. Nienaber emphasized the importance of physicality, intensity, and focus in this match, as both teams are vying to progress out of their pool. The South African team has opted for a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench, a strategy that proved effective in their warm-up game against New Zealand. However, this decision has sparked debate among pundits who question its alignment with the spirit of the game. The lone back on the bench is scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, while loose-forward Kwagga Smith has experience in the backline. Flyhalf Handre Pollard, who joined the squad as a replacement, will not be considered for this game. Nienaber acknowledged the quality and speed of the Irish team, having faced them previously, and emphasized the team’s awareness of what needs to be done to secure victory. The South African team lineup for the match includes Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, and Steven Kitshoff. The replacements are Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, and Cobus Reinach.