Clash against Ireland will be a great test for South Africa - Eben Etzebeth

South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth believes the clash against Ireland at Aviva Stadium will be a great challenge.

Andy Farrell's men will be heading into the contest as the number one ranked side after beating New Zealand at their own backyard in July. They also had a successful Six Nations tournament with four wins from five matches and are among the favourites for next year's World Cup in France.

“They have a good pack of forwards, and we saw against New Zealand that they have a strong maul and scrum. In fact, they won quite a few scrum penalties in that series, and adding to that they are very clinical at the breakdowns. So, they are a well-rounded team.

“They banked a series win against the All Blacks in New Zealand earlier in the year and they are currently ranked the No 1 team in the world, so this will be a great test for us."

South Africa themselves had a relatively successful year with six wins from nine matches this year while also finishing second in the Rugby Championship.

Considering both Ireland and South Africa are grouped in the same Pool for the next year's Rugby World Cup, Etzebeth feels a win on Saturday will hold a psychological advantage.

“The fact that we are facing them in the Rugby World Cup next year will also spice up the clash, but for us as a team that will be a different challenge on its own.

"We have a long tour ahead, and this is only the first match, and that is how we are approaching it as a team.”