Sam Prendergast has been retained as Ireland’s starting fly half for their final Test of 2025 against South Africa.
The 22-year-old impressed in the win over Australia in Dublin last week and again beats Jack Crowley to the starting No 10 shirt for the meeting with the world champion Springboks.
Prendergast has new centres for company as Garry Ringrose returns from injury to partner Bundee Aki, while Andrew Porter and Josh van der Flier are brought back into the starting forward pack.
“South Africa are the world champions and we know the challenge that awaits us this weekend,” Farrell said.
“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.”
Ireland beat the Springboks during the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and also split a two-match series in South Africa last summer.
Rassie Erasmus brings back a number of established starters to his side after rotating against Italy, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly half.
Franco Mostert, sent off last weekend, was available for selection after his red card was rescinded but misses out with Ruan Nortje preferred as Eben Etzebeth’s second row partner. RG Snyman provides lock cover from the bench and will win his 50th cap.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Ryan Baird, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Tommy O’Brien; 15 Mack Hansen.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell.
South Africa XV: 1 Boan Venter, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Canan Moodie; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Andre Esterhuzen; 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.
