The Aviva Stadium in Dublin is set to host one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, as Ireland takes on world champions South Africa on Saturday, 22 November. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:40 GMT, with live coverage available on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC Radio Ulster, alongside live text updates via the BBC Sport website and app.
This match represents more than just another autumn international. For the Springboks, it is a chance to finally tick off a long-standing target: defeating Ireland on their home turf. Despite South Africa’s dominance in world rugby over the past decade—including consecutive Rugby World Cup victories, multiple Rugby Championship titles, and record-breaking wins against New Zealand—Ireland remains the elusive obstacle.
South Africa’s Northern Hemisphere Struggles
The Springboks’ global dominance is undeniable. Under Rassie Erasmus, South Africa has achieved consistent success, winning Test matches across all continents. Their summer performance in Wellington, where they inflicted a record defeat on New Zealand, captured global attention. Over the past two autumn campaigns, South Africa has played six northern hemisphere tests, winning all except against one of the Six Nations teams—Ireland.
Of the squad traveling to Dublin this week, Eben Etzebeth is the sole player who was part of South Africa’s last victory in the city back in 2012. The experienced lock recognizes the importance of this fixture.
“When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture was definitely one that stood out, so we’re excited,” said Etzebeth. “We haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.”
A History of Irish Dominance
Ireland’s success against South Africa over recent years is noteworthy. Since the Springboks’ heavy defeat to Ireland in 2017—which preceded Erasmus’ tenure and the team’s remarkable resurgence—Ireland has claimed victory in four of the last five encounters, including three wins at Dublin, one in Durban, and a World Cup pool-stage match at Stade de France in 2023.
This recent record has fueled a sense of rivalry. Ulster hooker Rob Herring, who hails from South Africa and has earned 43 caps for Ireland, commented on the perceived tension:
“There’s obviously a bit of a rivalry there, and the media are building it up quite a bit,” Herring said. “A lot of South African fans say that the Irish are arrogant. But that’s the media doing their thing. The games themselves have been close, which is why the rivalry exists.”
Similarly, Thomas du Toit, South African prop and former Munster player, dismissed the notion of a personal grudge:
“We focus on each match individually and don’t dwell on past results. This week is no different.”
The Stakes for Both Teams
Saturday’s clash carries immense significance for both sides. For South Africa, a victory in Dublin would cap off another successful autumn and reinforce their status as world rugby’s dominant force, building momentum towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Head coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized the importance of performing to their standards:
“We would love to say, ‘yes, we had a great season, we beat Ireland in Dublin,’ which we haven’t done since I’ve been involved.”
For Ireland, the game serves as a true litmus test. After losing the Six Nations crown to France earlier in the year and a subdued summer tour without their Lions contingent, Ireland’s autumn has been a mixed bag. Their performances have ranged from a deserved defeat against New Zealand in Chicago to an unconvincing win over Japan at home. Their most impressive display came last week against Australia, who were visibly fatigued.
Ranked fourth in the world, Ireland now face the challenge of proving they remain competitive at the very top. Hooker Dan Sheehan described the fixture as a “great measure” of the team’s current form, while captain Caelan Doris stressed that public perception of their autumn could hinge on this match. Head coach Andy Farrell went further, calling the clash a litmus test for Ireland’s progression.
“We’ll learn, but we’re trying to prove to ourselves the whole time that we’re taking steps forward, and this will be the litmus test for where we are,” Farrell explained.
A Battle of Strategy, Strength, and History
Both teams bring unique strengths to the pitch. Ireland boasts precision in tactical kicking and set-piece dominance, while South Africa relies on physicality and clinical execution. Previous encounters have demonstrated that matches between these rugby powerhouses are often tightly contested, with outcomes decided in the closing minutes.
Fans can expect an intense, high-stakes battle, with the outcome influencing not just the rankings but also confidence heading into next year’s Six Nations and beyond.
What to Watch
- Aviva Stadium atmosphere and home advantage
- Key players: Eben Etzebeth, Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, Caelan Doris
- Tactical battles: Scrum and lineout dominance, breakdown efficiency
- Historical context: Ireland’s recent dominance over South Africa at home
Saturday promises a showcase of modern rugby at its best, blending skill, strategy, and fierce international rivalry. Whether Ireland defends their record or the Springboks finally claim victory in Dublin, the result will resonate throughout the rugby world.
Leave a Reply