South Africa vs Ireland tips and suggested bets: Springboks to stop Irish in tracks

Test rugby’s top-ranked nation face a stern examination as they prepare to put their 15-match winning run on the line against the formidable reigning champions in Pool B’s headline clash.

Ireland lock James Ryan has the potential to be the key player the clash, as Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher will be the hooker aiming to hit the second row forward, who is likely to disrupt any South African attempts to throw long lineouts.

Planet Sport looks at a few suggested bets from the markets available on Ireland vs South Africa.

Ryan should be the bookmakers choice to get the first lineout steal of the match as Ireland's top lineout poacher.

Ireland might look to be flexible in the positioning of their locks to jockey for the best setup at the key setpiece.

Ryan has the potential to be the scale-tipper in the tight five battle but if Ireland get their way the backs will be in the action early.

Ireland will look to kick short and in-field to try to turn the big South African pack and bring wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe into the game. Hansen is our tip to get the first try in the match.

For the unqualified win Ireland are worth taking in an accumulator. The Irish have never been so familiar with the South African game and all but the most overwhelmingly dominant display of power from the Springboks will stop Ireland remaining world No 1s with the victory.

Among the Springboks, Bongi Mbonambi is the man most likely to cross the line first as the usual ball carrier in the South African maul.

Ireland will want to keep their passes short and sharp and away from the hands of intercept expert Kurt-Lee Arendse. Arendse has already made some of the game's slickest handlers look foolish with his great reads.

The Springboks' familiarity with referee Ben O'Keeffe might prove a challenge for Ireland and they could also end up with the higher penalty count when all is said and done.

However, the Springboks' wayward goalkicking could just wipe out any advantage they might gain on the scoreboard and you won't get long odds on Manie Libbok missing off the tee.

Suggested bets:

Mack Hansen to score first try
Bongi Mbonambi anytime tryscorer
Total cards over 1.5