Jamison Gibson Park returns to Ireland side to play South Africa

Michael Bolton

Jamison Gibson-Park comes into the Ireland side as Andy Farrell makes one change to the starting 15 to take on world champions South Africa.

The scrum-half returns to partner Johnny Sexton after missing the victory over Tonga last weekend.

Ireland face their toughest game of the tournament yet, when they take on the 2019 winners on Saturday night in Paris in what is expected to be a hugely physical battle.

The front row of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong remains the same, supported by James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Peter O'Mahony, Josh Van Der Flier make up the back row.

In the centre, the in form Bundee Aki partners Garry Ringrose, with James Lowe and Mack Hansen on the wings, with Hugo Keenan at full-back.

In the replacements, Dan Sheehan returns from the injury he picked up against England in August, and will make his first World Cup appearance.

Finaly Bealham has recovered from an injury he picked up against Tonga to be named on the bench, with Dave Kilcoyne also providing cover from prop.

Iain Henderson will be providing cover at the second row, with Ryan Baird named as the replacements for the back row. Both players could be in for a big night to defuse the South Africa so-called “Bomb Squad”.

Despite South Africa going with a 7/1 combination on the bench, Ireland have stuck with their 5/3 split, with Jack Crowley picked ahaead of Ross Byrne to provide cover for Johnny Sexton.

Ireland v South Africa: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.