What time is kick-off between Ireland and South Africa? TV channel, stream and odds for World Cup war
AFTER close on three years, Ireland's World Cup pool fixture with South Africa is finally upon us.
The match-up has been highlighted as the marquee match-up of the group stages along with France versus New Zealand ever since the draw was made in December 2020.
Andy Farrell's side triumphed in the last meeting between them last November.
But a World Cup fixture is a different beast entirely from an Autumn International at home.
This truism is, well, particularly true when you consider our habit of letdown performances at World Cups whilst The Springboks have an uncanny knack of peaking at the right time of every four-year cycle.
Rassie Erasmus has been in full flow with his mind games all week between reminding Ireland of their dire record in the competition as well as naming his controversial team and bench on Tuesday rather than Thursday.
But Farrell has remained unfazed and opted for his usual starting line-up and split amongst his subs.
Here are all of the key details around how to catch what ought to be an unmissable affair:
What time is kick-off between Ireland and South Africa?
It will be at 8pm Irish time on Saturday September 23. The Stade de France in Paris is the venue.
What TV channel is it on and can I stream it?
It will be shown live on RTE Two so you have the free streaming option afforded by the RTE Player.
Those north of the border can watch it on ITV.
What are the odds?
The defending world champions are slight, slight favourites at 4/5 while The Boys in Green are 6/5.
A draw is set at 16/1
What are the teams?
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
South Africa: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk; Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach.
