"No Dan Sheehan" - Combined Ireland and South Africa XV

Here is a combined XV of the current sides.

Hansen has come back from injury in great form, scoring a hat-trick against Australia. On current performance he has to be picked. The Boks often play without a specialist fullback, but among the players who fit that role, Hansen is the standout, even though he’s just as comfortable on the wing.

An automatic choice. He’s one of the best players in the world. His recent club form in Japan hasn’t been great, but very few match him at Test level.

Kriel is the “glue” in a backline. He brings top-end athleticism, strong carrying, reliable defence, and the ability to slot into multiple positions. His fitness and speed make him a key part of any setup.

Aki is still a high-level performer. He’s a powerful carrier but also a good distributor, and he and Kriel would complement each other well. Even as he gets older, his quality hasn’t dropped.

You could make a case for someone like Moodie or Hooker, but Lowe’s experience and reliability put him ahead. His left boot is a major asset, and he’s strong under the high ball—traits that would balance Kolbe’s pace on the opposite wing.

This pick feels obvious. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is one of the most exciting young players in the game, and Ireland’s fly-half options don’t quite match his all-round skill set and game awareness. He has everything you want in a modern No.10.

A very close call with Jamison Gibson-Park, but Williams edges it. His pace, sharp passing, and game sense make him a dynamic scrum-half, and he offers just a bit more overall.

Both teams have excellent front rows, but the Springboks’ individuals are simply stronger. Nche is one of the best scrummagers in the world and brings huge power.

Arguably the tightest contest of all. There’s not much between Marx and Sheehan. Marx’s carrying, breakdown work, and reliability at set-piece make him one of the top hookers in the world, and his power and work rate give him real impact.

Another close one, but Louw just shades it over Furlong based on scrummaging strength. It’s a narrow difference, but enough to put him ahead.

One of the world’s best locks. Etzebeth’s size, physicality, work rate, and surprising athleticism make him a dominant presence. As a two-time World Cup winner, his leadership also stands out.

This would be an outstanding lock partnership. Beirne is elite at winning turnovers and offers physicality, lineout skill, and good handling. He leads in his own understated way but makes a big impact.

Kolisi was an easy pick—arguably the best blindside in the world. He’s a top-class player and leader and one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Like Kolisi, du Toit simply has to be included. A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year and a crucial part of two World Cup-winning sides, he’s known for relentless work rate and outstanding defence.

One of the best No.8s in the game. As Ireland’s captain, Doris brings physicality, intelligence, and a calm but firm presence. He’s a complete modern back-rower—strong in contact, effective at the breakdown, agile, and reliable under pressure.