South Africa name unchanged team to face Ireland

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has retained the starting line up that beat New Zealand last month for this weekend’s tour opening Test against Ireland in Dublin.

The only change to the match day squad is prop Coenie Oosthuizen coming in to replace Marcel van der Merwe who is currently injured.

“Although Julian Redelinghuys was also considered, he’s still new in the team and not familiar with our patterns of play and especially the line-out calls, while Coenie knows the way we play well,” said Meyer.

“Coenie is also in great shape and we know what he can do, especially if he has to make an impact off the bench. It’s good to have him back.”

Meyer was very happy with the continuity in selection from the last Test.

“It’s only the fifth time in what will be the 34th Test since I was appointed as Springbok coach that we’ve been able to select an unchanged starting line-up,” said Meyer.

“In this day and age, not making changes to teams is pretty much unheard of, but this is a great position we’re in. However, we need to make it count against a very tough Irish side on Saturday.

“Although we won our last Test, the challenge this week is to make another step up. It’s imperative that we improve in all facets of our play.”

South Africa

15 Willie le Roux , 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana , 10 Handre Pollard , 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje , 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield , 4 Eben Etzebeth , 3 Jannie du Plessis , 2 Bismarck du Plessis , 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:, 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane , 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Bakkies Botha , 20 Schalk Burger , 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 JP Pietersen