South Africa vs Ireland Predictions: Continuity to help hosts over the line

South Africa will look to seal a series victory over Ireland when the two teams meet in Durban on Saturday afternoon in their second Test this month.

The Springboks ran out 27-20 winners in Pretoria last weekend, with the hosts beating Ireland for the first time in eight years. Read on for my South Africa vs Ireland prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

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Team News

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has named an unchanged team for the second Test, with Siya Kolisi captaining the side, while Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will set a new record of playing the most Test matches together at centre as they line up in midfield for the 30th time.

Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony has been named among the replacements, so number eight Caelan Doris will lead the side. Andy Farrell has moved Tadhg Beirne to O'Mahony's usual blind-side flanker role and moved James Ryan into the second row.

With scrum-half Craig Casey and hooker Dan Sheehan ruled out through injury, Conor Murray and Ronan Kelleher have been named in the starting XV, while Bundee Aki misses out after suffering a shoulder injury in the second half of last week's defeat.

South Africa vs Ireland Odds

South Africa are 1/4 to win the second Test, while the draw is 25/1, with Ireland considered 3/1 outsiders.

The Springboks are 1/1 to cover the -10 handicap, while Ireland are 5/6 to cover the same line.

South Africa - 8 @ 8/11

Games between these two sides are usually tight encounters, and Saturday's meeting should be no different.

Last week's first Test once again proved how well-matched these two sides are, however, the hosts should be able to secure a series win.

South Africa is not a happy hunting ground for Ireland, and Farrell has taken a big gamble by not starting O'Mahony. The Six Nations winners are unlikely to be outclassed in Durban, but expect the hosts to cover the handicap.

South Africa - 3.5 first half handicap @ 8/11

South Africa will look to carry on where they left off last week and the fact that Erasmus has named an unchanged team should help them make a fast start.

The hosts have barely played since their World Cup success last year, so back-to-back fixtures without any injury woes is a blessing for the 51-year-old coach.

Farrell has made four changes and, while they could have an impact, it may take them 40 minutes to settle down.

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