On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the Autumn Nations Series 2025 reaches a boiling point at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where Ireland takes on the reigning world champions, South Africa — the Springboks. Kickoff is set for 17:40 GMT, and for fans who’ve waited years to see this matchup live, it’s more than just another test. It’s a reckoning. Ireland, under head coach Andy Farrell, hasn’t lost to South Africa on home soil in over two decades. The Springboks, led by Rassie Erasmus, have never cracked that code — and they know it.
Why This Match Matters More Than Ever
South Africa won the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles since New Zealand in 2011 and 2015. But their path to glory was paved with grit, not glamour. They survived red cards against France and Italy in October 2025, showing depth most teams can’t match. Yet, here’s the twist: they’ve lost four of their last five meetings with Ireland. The most recent? A 25-24 nail-biter in Durban last July — a game that left the Springboks stunned and Ireland’s squad believing they’ve turned a corner.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s critics whisper about an aging squad. The likes of Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony are gone. But Sam Prendergast, the 22-year-old fly-half, is stepping into the spotlight again after a standout performance against Australia. Farrell isn’t hiding his faith: “We’re not rebuilding. We’re redefining.”
Where to Watch Around the World
TV rights are split tightly by region, and fans aren’t leaving anything to chance.
- In Ireland, RTE Player offers a free live stream — no subscription needed.
- Across the pond in the United Kingdom, TNT Sports broadcasts the match. Viewers on Sky, Virgin Media, or EE TV can access it through their packages, or pay £30.99 monthly for standalone access.
- New Zealand fans turn to Sky Sport NZ, with options from $29.99 per day to $54.99 monthly via Sky Sport Now.
- In South Africa, SuperSport on DStv is the only legal option. Basic packages start at R99 ($5.66) per month.
Some fans are turning to NordVPN to bypass geo-blocks — TechRadar confirms it works for accessing home services abroad. But for purists, the real magic happens in the stadium. Tickets sold out weeks ago.
The Historical Ghosts in the Room
South Africa’s record in Dublin is a haunting one. They’ve played Ireland five times at the Aviva since 2008 — and lost every single one. Their last win on Irish soil? 1998. Even in the 2023 World Cup, when they were crowned champions, they fell 27-23 to Ireland in Paris. That loss still stings. Erasmus doesn’t deny it: “We’re not ignoring the past. We’re using it as fuel.”
For Ireland, it’s not about revenge. It’s about validation. They’ve climbed to No. 2 in the world rankings, but many still see them as a team in transition. This match is their chance to say: “We’re not fading. We’re rising.”
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreline
The implications stretch far beyond November 22. A win for Ireland would cement them as the clear No. 1 challenger to South Africa’s throne heading into the next World Cup cycle. A Springbok victory? It would shatter the myth of Irish invincibility at home and give South Africa the psychological edge they’ve craved for 27 years.
Both teams are managing player workloads with the 2027 World Cup in Australia looming. This isn’t just about pride — it’s about momentum. Who enters the next phase with confidence? Who carries the weight of expectation?
“It’s not about who’s better,” said Simon Easterby, Ireland’s assistant coach. “It’s about who wants it more on the day.”
What’s Next After This Clash?
After this match, Ireland faces Argentina on November 29, while South Africa wraps up their tour with a fixture against Georgia. But the real test comes in the 2026 Six Nations, where both teams will be watching each other’s results closely. If Ireland beats South Africa, expect them to be favorites in Rome and Cardiff. If South Africa wins? Watch out — the Springboks will be riding a wave of belief that hasn’t been seen since 2019.
The Autumn Nations Series has often been called a warm-up. This game? It’s the final exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn’t South Africa ever beaten Ireland in Dublin?
South Africa has played Ireland five times at the Aviva Stadium since 2008 and lost all five, including a 27-23 defeat in the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stage in Paris — which was effectively a home game for Ireland due to crowd support. Ireland’s physicality, tactical discipline, and home-field advantage have consistently neutralized South Africa’s power game. The Springboks’ only win in the past five meetings came in Durban in 2022, on their own soil.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Ireland, fly-half Sam Prendergast is the heartbeat of the attack, and lock James Ryan leads a formidable forward pack. For South Africa, flanker Siya Kolisi brings leadership and work rate, while scrum-half Erasmus (Rassie’s son) has emerged as a game-changer off the bench. Both teams rely on their set-pieces — expect a battle of the scrum and lineout.
How does this match affect World Cup rankings?
World Rugby rankings are updated after every test match, and this game carries heavy weighting as a top-tier clash. A win for Ireland could push them to No. 1 for the first time since 2023. A Springbok victory would keep them firmly at No. 1 and signal they’re still the team to beat heading into the 2027 World Cup cycle. Both teams are in the top four, so this result could shift the entire hierarchy.
Are there any injury concerns for either team?
Ireland’s captain, Cian Healy, is fit after recovering from a shoulder strain, but prop Andrew Porter is a doubt due to a hamstring issue. For South Africa, fly-half Handré Pollard is fully recovered from his ankle ligament injury and expected to start. The Springboks’ depth was tested against Italy, but their bench — especially lock Francois van der Merwe — has proven reliable under pressure.
Why is this match called a 'rivalry' if South Africa has dominated globally?
Rivalries aren’t always about overall dominance — they’re about consistent, high-stakes clashes. Ireland and South Africa have met 28 times since 1910, with 17 wins for the Springboks and 10 for Ireland. But since 2018, Ireland has won six of eight meetings. The emotional weight, the physical intensity, and the fact that Ireland has never lost to them in Dublin make this one of rugby’s most compelling head-to-heads — even if South Africa holds the World Cup.
Can I watch this match for free outside Ireland?
Officially, no — only RTE Player offers free access, and it’s geo-restricted to Ireland. Some fans use VPNs to access it from abroad, but this violates terms of service for broadcasters. Legal free options don’t exist elsewhere, though highlights will be available on YouTube and World Rugby’s official channels after the match. For a truly legal free experience, your best bet is to attend a public viewing at a pub or fan zone in your city.
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Caden Fitzroy
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