Head coach Andy Farrell expects Ireland’s autumn climax against South Africa to be a “litmus test” of his side’s current standing in Test rugby.
The in-form Springboks, who top the global rankings and are back-to-back world champions, are favourites with bookmakers following 14 wins from their last 16 matches.
Ireland clinched successive Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024 but are negotiating a transitional phase amid suggestions the team is in decline.
Asked how important it is to make a statement during Saturday’s showdown in Dublin, Farrell said: “It always is, but no more so than the expectation we put on ourselves to make sure we use an opportunity in the right manner.
“We’ll learn no matter but we’re trying to prove to ourselves the whole time that we’re taking steps forward.
“This will be the litmus test for where we are – certainly that’s going to concentrate the mind in the next couple of months leading up to the Six Nations.”
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Leinster’s Sam Prendergast has been retained ahead of Munster’s Jack Crowley at fly-half, while there are recalls for prop Andrew Porter, flanker Josh van der Flier and centres Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose.
Having defended Prendergast’s defensive capabilities following some missed tackles in last weekend’s victory over Australia, Farrell anticipates debate around the number 10 jersey to rumble on.
He said: “How can I be sick (of the talk) because it’s going to continue?
“This has been going on for 100 years in Irish rugby so it’s not going to stop.
“I get the narrative but I think we should continue to see the good in people because we’ve got some hella players.”
Ireland registered a record 46-19 win over the Wallabies following defeat to New Zealand in Chicago and a patchy victory over Japan.
Farrell always envisaged his side would become stronger as this international window developed.
“If you didn’t think that was going to be the case you’re doing something wrong,” he said.
“But that’s not to say playing against the best in the world that’s going to happen because if you’re not up to speed with how you attack the game then they smell a sign of weakness.
“You’ve still got to turn up and apply all that and take your game forward to an outstanding team.”
South Africa have lost four of the past five meetings with Ireland, including a pool-stage defeat en route to retaining the World Cup in 2023.
Jacques Nienaber was Springboks head coach for that tournament before taking up his current position as a senior coach at Leinster.
Farrell played down concerns about Nienaber feeding tactical information to South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus.
“I understand that but I know Jacques well enough,” said Farrell. “He’s a fantastic coach and he’s a good bloke as well.
“It’s not as though he’s not giving his all every single day of the week at Leinster; 100 per cent he is and it works both ways, doesn’t it?
“Jacques would have 100 per cent rubbed off on a lot of our players in a lot of fantastic ways and we can hopefully use that to our advantage.”