Sexton the key as Ireland take on the Springboks

Number one ranked Ireland take on the World Champions Springboks in this mouthwatering clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

These two great rugby nations last met in 2017 when the Irish thrashed the Springboks 38-3 but a lot has changed since that encounter. The men from South Africa made a remarkable turnaround from that defeat to win the World Cup just two years later. Ireland had a hugely successful tour to New Zealand in June when they not only beat the All Blacks for the first team on their home patch but also made history by winning the three match series 2-1. One of the main reasons for their success was the form of mercurial captain Johnny Sexton. Once again he will be the key to beating the Springboks in what is looming as a difficult match to call. The bookies are leaning towards the home team in what promises to be a close contest but you can see all the odds at Wincomparator as they have a full list of the best Rugby betting sites.

The Irish certainly have the advantage in the halfbacks and in the midfield as the visitors have a largely inexperienced fly half and scrum half combination in Damien Willemse and Jaden Hendrickse. Sexton will no doubt be looking to attack their channel especially as Ireland have arguably the best midfield pair in world rugby with Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose. The Springboks will sorely miss the injured world class Lukhanyo Am at outside centre as he is the lynchpin in both attack and defence. His replacement Jesse Kriel has been around the national set up for many years as a utility back but has failed to nail down a place in the visitor’s talented backline. One of the Achilles ‘ heels of past Irish teams has been their weakness in the forwards but that was well and truly addressed when they comfortably beat the All Blacks in the physicality department.

There are a number of key match ups especially in the scrum where South Africa can boast a replacement front row that can match any starting front row in the game. If the Irish can at least gain parity in the set pieces then the match is likely to be a battle between the two defenses. The team that can produce a magical moment at the crucial time will come out on top. If there is a player capable of turning a game on its head then Sexton’s name jumps out at you as he has proven time and again at both Leinster and on the international stage that he is the man for the big occasion. The winner of this match will have the bragging rights to be classed as one of the hot favourites for the World Cup next year in France.