Sam Prendergast starts at flyhalf as Ireland ring the changes for Bok showdown

Jack Crowley began the month as the country's number one but, just like what happened last year, he has been usurped midway through the November campaign.

Prendergast will line up alongside his Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park in the decision-making positions as they seek to end South Africa's unbeaten end-of-year tour.

The young pivot had a fine game last Saturday but the world champions will no doubt look to test his defensive resolve, which has been found wanting on occasion.

He and Gibson-Park are joined in the backline by a different Ireland centre partnership in Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose, who returns from injury. Stuart McCloskey and Robbie Henshaw drop out of the 23.

The back three remains the same, as Mack Hansen, Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe retain their spots after a promising outing against the Wallabies last weekend.

Another change from that 46-19 hammering sees captain Caelan Doris move back to his favoured position of number eight, which allows Josh van der Flier to come in at openside flanker after recovering from injury.

Ryan Baird once again starts at blindside with Jack Conan dropping to the bench after struggling to impose himself against Australia.

Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan continue at lock but there is one alteration in the front row with Andrew Porter coming in ahead of Paddy McCarthy at loosehead prop.

McCarthy is there among the replacements this weekend and he is joined by Ronan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast and Conan as the forward reinforcements, while Craig Casey, Crowley and Tom Farrell cover the backline.

"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," head coach Farrell said.

"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 - 15 Mack Hansen, 14 Tommy O'Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter

Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Cian Prendergast, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Tom Farrell