Andy Farrell unveils Ireland playmaker for Bok clash

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed his squad for Saturday’s Autumn Internationals match against the Springboks in Dublin, handing Sam Prendergast the starting playmaker role after days of speculation.

Jamison Gibson-Park retains his place at scrum-half as Ireland prepare for one of their toughest fixtures of the season.

Captain Caelan Doris leads the side from the back row. Mack Hansen continues at fullback, with Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe starting on the wings. Farrell has opted for a new centre pairing, with Bundee Aki lining up alongside a fully fit Garry Ringrose.

Ireland’s pack features Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong in the front row.

James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne start in the second row, while Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris complete a mobile and experienced back row unit.

Farrell has named a powerful bench, including Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Jack Conan as forward replacements. Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell provide cover for the backline.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Farrell acknowledged the scale of the challenge: “South Africa are the world champions and we know what awaits us. You have to be on top of your game when facing a team of that quality.”

He added that the squad is eager to build momentum from last week’s performance: “The support last weekend galvanised the players.

"Playing at home makes a real difference. There’s respect between both teams and the squad is excited to represent Ireland in our last home game of 2025.”

Ireland XV: 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell