It will be the fourth time a South African national side will face the Red Army, and they will want to extend their record to 4-and-0.

The captain and tighthead prop, Thomas du Toit, said his team needs to signal their Springbok intentions on the field of play.

"This is a great opportunity for everyone in the team to throw their names in the hat to play for the Springboks," said Du Toit.

"Some of us have been there before and it’s everyone’s dream to be in the Bok squad, but we will have to find a balance between showcasing our talents and playing as a team. If we can win the match, everyone will look better, and we fully understand it.

"Munster won’t roll over, they have a great team and we’re expecting a wonderful game. We’re not going to be naive, we know what this means to them and I’m sure Ireland’s victory over the Boks will give them some advantage, but this is a new game between new teams and all of us are very excited about this opportunity."

Thursday's game at the sold-out Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork kicks off at 20:30.

Munster – 15 Mike Haley, 14 Shane Daly, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Rory Scannell, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ben Healy, 9 Paddy Patterson, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Jack O’Donoghue (captain), 5 Kiran McDonald, 4 Edwin Edogbo, 3 Roman Salanoa, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Josh Wycherley.

Replacements - 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Liam O’Connor, 18 Keynan Knox, 19 Cian Hurley, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Neil Cronin, 22 Patrick Campbell, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.

South Africa ‘A’ - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

Replacements - 16 Andre-Hugo, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Dan du Preez, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Gianni Lombard.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport