THE curtain comes down on the Quilter Autumn National Series with a mouth-watering clash between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday (kick-off 5.40pm).
It is certainly going to be a close encounter, with home advantage benefitting Ireland, and they will be bursting with confidence after their magnificent win over Australia.
What a treat for fans over the past few weeks with top-class fixtures on television, and this pairing promises to be a grand finale.
The Springboks have scored victories over Japan, France, and Italy since October but Ireland have a good recent record over them, having won four of the five meetings between the sides.
Andy Farrell’s charges also beat the Boks in the pool stage of the last World Cup in the summer of 2024.
Although Ireland have been criticised in recent months for a lack of effort, when the chips are down, similar to the soccer internationals, they stand up and be counted so we can expect a match that tests every single aspect of the game in this one.
Jack Conan described the weekend victory as a “brilliant launchpad” to have a shot at toppling the world champions.
“It was unbelievably enjoyable to be at home putting in a good performance. The atmosphere was unreal, it was a real stepping stone, the best performance we’ve had in the last few weeks. To be out there winning in a green jersey, it doesn’t get any better,” he said.
Hat trick hero Mack Hansan had one of his best outings for some time and the spotlight will be on the Australian-born winger whenever he gets possession.
South Africa rested their top front-rows at the weekend in view of this match. That tells how serious they are taking this outing.
After recent outings the ‘battle’ between Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley for the number 10 shirt continues, but on last Saturday’s performances neither of them stood out.
It is time for the IRFU to have a look around and seek the many tens that wear the jersey in the AIL every Saturday.
There could be a Johnny Sexton or Ronan O’Gara hiding in the bushes!