The pressure is on ahead of Saturday night’s big Rugby World Cup game between the Springboks and Ireland in Paris.

Very little separates the two teams and the winner of tomorrow night’s game will top the world rugby rankings, while they are also sure to end first in Pool B.

The Springboks named their team earlier in the week and it is as close to being at full-strength as possible, albeit the hooker position on the bench and while a lack of a reliable kicker is also a worry.

Apart from the opening game between France and the All Blacks, this game is certainly the biggest of the pool stage, although the Pool C game between Wales and the Wallabies is also set to be a humdinger.

Siya Kolisi - Planet Rugby

The Springboks captain, Siya Kolisi, who didn’t play against Romania, said a player always dreams of games like this.

“I think this is as big as it gets. We are playing the number one team in the world in the World Cup, that is what you dream about as a child,” said Kolisi.

“They are an amazing side, they have won 14 in a row so it's going to take the best of us to beat them. I am looking forward to it and I can see the excitement all around the world, everybody is keen for this game.”

Johnny Sexton - RWC

Meanwhile, Ireland named their team yesterday and they are going to arrive and put up what is sure to be a good fight.

The coach, Andy Farrell, opted to play with a five-three split on the bench, and they stated that they aren’t too fazed about the Boks playing with a seven-one split.

The match will also be a special milestone for the Connacht centre, Bundee Aki, who will be playing in his 50th Test.

The Irish skipper and flyhalf, Johnny Sexton, said they will have to be at their very best to beat the World champions.

“A top one on both sides of the ball,” said Sexton.

“Their defence is obviously renowned for the line speed they come at you with, so we need to be on top of our game when we have the ball. 

“Obviously with the way they have been playing recently - going wide, wide and being direct in certain areas of the field, bringing a strong kicking game - they test you in every aspect of the game and that is why we are going to have to be on top form.

“Any time you play the Springboks it is the same. They are a huge jersey in international rugby. But we are pretty proud of ours as well and I’m sure it will be a great game.”

Saturday night’s big Test at Stade de France kicks off at 21:00.

Antoine Dupont - RWC

On Thursday night, France destroyed the Welwitschias of Namibia as they crossed the white-wash 14 times for a 96-0 win in Marseille. The winger Damian Penaud scored a hat-trick for Les Blues, but the will could have come at the huge cost.

The captain Antoine Dupont’s World Cup may be over following a high tackle to the face by his Namibia counterpart, Johan Deysel. Deysel was red carded for the tackle following a bunker review in the 44th minute.

Meanwhile, on Friday afternoon at 17:45 the Los Pumas of Argentina will face Manu Samoa in Saint-Etienne.

On Saturday at 14:00, Georgia will face Portugal, while at 17:45 England will be up against Chile.

On Sunday at 17:45, Scotland will tackle Tonga in Nice, while at 21:00 it will be Wales in action against the Wallabies in Lyon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport