Prendergast retains number ten jersey for South Africa clash

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025 - 14:41

An impressive display last time out during the win over Australia is enough for Sam Prendergast to retain his place in the staring XV after Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell named his Ireland match day squad for Saturday's final November Series clash against South Africa at a sold-out Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 5.40pm).

The Suncroft man has been locked in a battle with Jack Crowley for the number ten jersey but may just have nudged ahead in that race with his performance during that comprehensive win over Australia.

Prendergast lines out alongside Jamison Gibson-Park in the half backs, while hat-trick hero Mack Hansen continues at full-back, with Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe either side of him on the wings.

There is a new centre pairing for Ireland this week as Bundee Aki partners the fit-again Garry Ringrose.

Captain Caelan Doris leads the side from the back row as Farrell's side welcome the Springboks to Dublin for the final Test of 2025. Eadestown’s Tadgh Beirne earns his 65th cap in the engine room alongside James Ryan, while Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are the starting front row. Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris complete the Ireland starting team in the back row.

Farrell has strong options on the bench where the elder of the Prendergast brothers, Cian, is joined by Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, and Jack Conan the forward replacements, while Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell provide the backline reinforcements.

Commenting ahead of Saturday, Andy Farrell said: "South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend. Whenever you face a top side you know that you have to be on top of your game and that you will be tested and we'll look to build on the momentum from last weekend and approach the game positively.

"The players were galvanised by the support (last weekend) and it makes such a positive point of difference when you're at home. There’s familiarity and respect between both teams and I know how excited the squad is to represent Ireland to the best of our ability for our last home game of 2025."

Saturday’s match is live on RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio 1 and TNT Sports.

Ireland (v South Africa):

15. Mack Hansen (Corinthians/Connacht)(29)

14. Tommy O’Brien (Blackrock College/Leinster)(5)

13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(68)

12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(67)

11. James Lowe (Leinster)(42)

10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(12)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(45)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(78)

2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(34)

3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(81)