Is South Africa vs Ireland on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch Rugby World Cup matches online

South Africa and Ireland are set to clash on Saturday in one of the most important matches of the group stage of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Two of the favorites to win the entire tournament, both are undefeated so far and will be aiming for a massive victory to move into pole position and finish top of the group.

South Africa secured a hard-earned victory over Scotland before beating Romania, while Ireland enjoyed comfortable victories over Romania and Tongo in their opening two matches.

Here’s everything you need to know. Get all Rugby World Cup odds here and the latest advice and free bets on the World Cup here.

When will South Africa v Ireland take place?

South Africa v Ireland is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday September 23 at the Stade de France.

How can I watch it?

UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel starting at 7:15 p.m. BST. Registered users can also stream the action via ITVX.

If you are traveling abroad and want to watch the event, you may need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help and includes VPN deals on the market. Viewers using a VPN should ensure that they comply with all local regulations where they are located as well as the terms of their service provider.

Team News

South Africa joined a rotating squad against Romania but returns at full strength for this clash, with Rassie Erasmus making just one change from the team that beat Scotland in the opening of the Springbok tournament. This change comes in the front row with Bongi Mbonambi replacing the injured Malcolm Marx.

There is also encouraging news in the second row as Eben Etzebeth recovers from a shoulder injury picked up against Scotland to return to the starting line-up.

Ireland, meanwhile, make just one change from the team that beat Tonga last weekend as Jamison Gibson-Park comes in at scrum-half in place of Conor Murray. Elsewhere, Dan Sheehan returns from injury and is back on the bench.

Compositions

South Africa XV: Stevan Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit; Jasper Wiese; Faf de Klerk, Manie Libbok; Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Damien Willemse.

Replacements: Dean Fourie, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach.

Ireland XV: Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van der Flier; Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jonny Sexton; James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Dave Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.

Odds

South Africa: 4/5

Draw: 20/1

Ireland: 6/5

Get all the latest South Africa vs Ireland odds and predictions here.

Prediction

This promises to be one of the group stage matches between two teams who will want to go all the way in this tournament. South Africa have that World Cup-winning know-how and that could offer the slightest advantage. South Africa 25-21 Ireland