South Africa vs Ireland Prediction and Betting Tips: Best three bets in Pretoria

In what is arguably the biggest game of the summer rugby internationals, Saturday will see reigning world champions South Africa taking on an Ireland side fresh from being crowned Six Nations champions for the second consecutive year.

The Springboks have played just once in 2024, but they showed their class when taking on Wales in a friendly at Twickenham last month with four tries and a penalty try in a 41-13 victory.

Ireland have not taken to the field since clinching their Six Nations crown with a hard-fought 17-13 win over Scotland in Dublin, but their recent record against South Africa will provide a lot of hope for Andy Farrell’s men that they can come away with a positive result.

This high-class encounter could go right down to the wire, and the Springboks may be in real danger of seeing their five-match winning streak ended in Pretoria.

South Africa’s strong form has seen them win 11 of their last 12 international matches in all competitions. Their only defeat came against the Irish at the Rugby World Cup, a tense 13-8 loss.

Ireland are on a three-game winning streak against the Springboks and have won seven of their last eight matches that have been played away from Dublin.

With Andy Farrell’s men showing plenty of strength on the road; they could have what it takes to claim a memorable victory over South Africa on Saturday, with Paddy Power pricing the visitors at 13/5.

The Springboks have plenty of strength in the scrum and a number of powerful forwards who could bulldoze their way over the line, with the likes of hooker Bongi Mbonambi, prop Ox Nche and second-rower Eben Etzebeth all expected to pose a major threat.

However, South Africa's backs could help keep the game close, and centre Jesse Kriel, who has scored 75 points in 69 appearances for the Springboks, could be one to watch out at 10/3 in the tryscorer market.

Kriel scored the opening try in his team's win over Wales on neutral territory at Twickenham two weeks ago and he could continue in excellent form this weekend.

Ireland are likely to have an intense, physical battle on their hands in Pretoria and their forwards are going to have to be at their very best to deflect what the Springboks will throw at them.

However, they are more than capable of driving towards the line themselves and hooker Dan Sheehan looks a good-value option to get on the scoresheet for the Irish.

The 25-year-old has scored an impressive 50 points in 26 internationals and has crossed the line for five tries in his last five appearances for Ireland. He can be backed at 8/5 to add another this weekend.