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Andy Farrell’s Ireland are back to winning ways, and, however imperfect, it should boost morale to some degree. Farrell’s own comments post-game indicated that the former England centre is still frustrated, but one would hope that Italy added more light relief than Ireland ever could later that evening.
Gonzalo Quesada’s charges overcame the Wallabies by 26-19 in Udine, in a result which means as much for Ireland as it does the Azzurri. The 2023 and 2024 Six Nations champions are now virtually guaranteed a top seeding for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with two games to spare.
Only two home tonkings could deny Ireland ending 2025 inside the top six in the world rankings, which raises the question; can Ireland take the foot of their own throats and relieve some self-inflicted pressure? If so, could Farrell finally look to rotate and test combinations over the final fortnight?
Tight 5 opportunities
There are far greater set-piece challenges than the Boks, while Australia are no pushovers either; but given Ireland’s struggles, the same old is not enough. Paddy McCarthy, Iain Henderson, Tom Ahern and Tom Clarkson have all earned the right to be entrusted over the coming weeks, with varying roles.
The new look lock pairing can hopefully solidify a shaky lineout, while McCarthy and Clarkson can hopefully add a fresh dimension to Ireland’s ropey carrying game.
Our selection: Australia - P. McCarthy, Sheehan, Furlong; Ahern, Henderson.
South Africa - Porter, Kelleher, Clarkson; Ryan, Beirne.
A new look back-row
Ireland’s back row depth has long been at the envy of rivals, boasting elite stars across the provinces. Nick Timoney’s stellar showing on Saturday, and the known quantity of Max Deegan and Gavin Coombes all being outside the bubble raises questions of its own.
With the Wallabies ground effort being key, it is worth trialing a back row featuring Beirne and Doris alongside Jack Conan, who can carry the load of offensive work alongside two defensive enforcers.
For the Boks, then you can recall Baird and van der Flier for their added oomph.
Our selection: Australia - Beirne, Doris, Conan.
South Africa - Baird, van der Flier, Doris.
Midfield minutes
Consistency is always important along the spine of a team, but when your half-backs and centres play together at a provincial level, rotation should probably lean towards the non-tried-and-trusted combinations.
Starting three midfielders in the four slots across the final fortnight, gets vital reps into players who are all more than capable at the level. Craig Casey and Sam Prendergast can give Ireland a multi-layered variety in possession, especially with McCloskey one layer further out; while the reliable Gibson-Park/Crowley, Aki/Ringrose quartet will have no fear against South Africa.
Our selection: Australia - Casey, Prendergast; McCloskey, Ringrose.
South Africa - Gibson-Park, Crowley; Aki, Ringrose.
Back three openings
To round out selection discourse, is the pacey men out wide. However, with the injury gods striking down another option, it becomes more of a tunnel call. Jamie Osborne suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder against Japan, adding to the already sidelined trio of Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and Calvin Nash.
Ireland could elect to call-up another outside back as cover - Mike Lowry and Shane Daly are in flying form - but it is most likely that they try and find the answer from within. Handing one start each to Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale and Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien would allow Ireland a mix of attacking flair and positional flexibility at the end of a gruelling block.
Our selection: Australia - Lowe, Stockdale, T. O’Brien.
South Africa - Lowe, J. O’Brien, T. O’Brien.
Andy Farrell’s track record to this point suggests he will chase morale-boosting wins, and kick evolution and squad evolution down the road. Ireland should be confident of defeating the Wallabies, who are on a dip in their rollercoaster form, and will be boosted by a boisterous Aviva Stadium against the Springboks.
However, if Ireland go with the old reliables and continue to perform at a lukewarm level, then they will end 2025 at a very low ebb.