Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus faces some big selection calls ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship showdown with Ireland in Dublin.
South Africa head to the Aviva Stadium licking their wounds after a dramatic 21-19 defeat against France.
The world champions trailed 21-7 at half-time in Paris before launching a spirited comeback.
Tries from Cobus Reinach and Malcolm Marx dragged them back into contention, but France held firm.
The defeat also produced some mixed Springboks player ratings, with several big names struggling to make their mark.
Now comes another heavyweight challenge.
Ireland will fancy their chances on home soil, particularly after watching South Africa struggle during the opening 40 minutes.
Erasmus has several decisions to make, with Jasper Wiese's 20-minute red card creating another headache.
The No.8 faces uncertainty over possible disciplinary action following his dangerous clear-out against France.
We're predicting five changes to the starting XV, including a return for Eben Etzebeth and a huge opportunity for Cameron Hanekom.
But the biggest call could come at fly-half.
We'd stick with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and give him the chance to respond immediately.
Predicted Springboks XV vs Ireland
15. Damian Willemse
One of the easier decisions for Erasmus.
Willemse offers South Africa a second playmaking option and remains dangerous when joining the attacking line.
His ability to cover several positions also gives Erasmus valuable flexibility.
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse
South Africa need to get Arendse involved more often.
The winger was denied a try against France after officials spotted an infringement at the lineout.
Give him half a yard and he's gone.
Ireland cannot afford to leave him unattended.
13. Jesse Kriel
Kriel produced one of South Africa's best attacking moments against France.
His brilliant break from deep inside his own half helped turn the momentum after the interval.
He remains the defensive glue in South Africa's midfield.
12. Damian de Allende
Another player we'd retain.
De Allende will have his hands full against Ireland's midfield, but these physical contests are his bread and butter.
His partnership with Kriel gives South Africa some much-needed stability.
11. Ethan Hooker
With Cheslin Kolbe unavailable, Hooker deserves another opportunity.
He's still finding his feet at international level, but his physicality offers something different.
Erasmus has invested in the youngster. Now is the time to keep backing him.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
This is the decision that could define Erasmus's selection.
Sacha endured a frustrating evening against France as South Africa struggled to establish any attacking rhythm before half-time.
He landed two conversions, but couldn't prevent the Springboks slipping to defeat.
Some will inevitably call for a change.
We wouldn't.
The 24-year-old has already shown enough quality to suggest he could become South Africa's long-term answer at fly-half.
One difficult evening shouldn't change that.
With Handré Pollard sidelined through injury, Erasmus could keep faith with Sacha or turn to Manie Libbok.
We'd stick with the youngster.
Dropping him now risks turning one disappointing performance into a much bigger story.
And what better place to respond than Dublin?
Ireland will test his kicking, decision-making and composure.
Good. That's exactly what he needs.
Erasmus should hand Sacha the No.10 jersey again and give him the opportunity to bounce back immediately.
9. Cobus Reinach
Reinach deserves a start after his impact against France.
The experienced scrum-half came off the bench to score as South Africa mounted their second-half comeback.
His speed around the breakdown could give Sacha more opportunities to attack.
We'd promote him ahead of Morne van den Berg.
8. Cameron Hanekom
This could be the most exciting change of the lot.
Jasper Wiese received a 20-minute red card against France following a dangerous clear-out and could face further disciplinary action.
That opens the door for Hanekom.
The Bulls back-rower was among the replacements in Paris and brings a different dimension to South Africa's attack.
He's powerful enough to punch holes in defensive lines, but also has the pace and handling ability to cause problems in wider channels.
Against Ireland, that combination could be particularly useful.
The hosts are excellent at slowing opposition possession, so South Africa need carriers who can generate quick ball.
Hanekom offers exactly that.
Starting in Dublin would be a serious examination, but Erasmus has never been afraid to throw talented youngsters into the deep end.
We'd hand Hanekom the No.8 jersey and see what he can do.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
There are few players Erasmus trusts more.
Du Toit was held up over the line against France as South Africa pushed for a winner.
His relentless work rate will be crucial against an Ireland pack that rarely gives opponents a moment to settle.
6. Siya Kolisi (captain)
The skipper keeps his place.
Kolisi has been through enough battles to know one defeat doesn't define a team.
South Africa will need his leadership in Dublin, particularly if Ireland start quickly.
5. Lood de Jager
De Jager keeps his place after another bruising encounter in Paris.
His lineout work gives South Africa an important platform, while his experience should help settle the pack.
We'd pair him with a familiar face.
4. Eben Etzebeth
This could be the biggest boost for Erasmus.
Etzebeth rejoined the Springboks squad ahead of the France clash but wasn't selected following his return from a knee injury.
Erasmus opted to give him more time to prepare.
Another week of training could put the experienced lock firmly in contention.
And South Africa could certainly use him.
Etzebeth brings an edge that few players in world rugby can match.
Against an Ireland pack packed with experienced internationals, his physicality could make a significant difference.
Provided he's fully fit, we'd bring him straight back into the starting XV.
3. Thomas du Toit
Erasmus raised eyebrows with his late front-row reshuffle against France.
Du Toit was promoted from the bench shortly before kick-off as the Springboks changed their entire starting front row.
The gamble didn't produce the result Erasmus wanted, but Du Toit remains a powerful scrummager.
We'd retain him at tighthead.
2. Malcolm Marx
Marx made his presence felt after coming off the bench in Paris.
The hooker scored South Africa's third try as they threatened to snatch victory.
His work at the breakdown could prove just as important against Ireland.
We'd restore him to the starting lineup.
1. Ox Nche
Completing our front row is Ox Nche.
Like Marx, the powerful loosehead was moved to the bench shortly before kick-off against France.
His introduction helped turn the scrum battle firmly in South Africa's favour.
France struggled to contain the Springboks' replacement front row, conceding a succession of scrum penalties.
We wouldn't wait until the second half to unleash him in Dublin.
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Predicted Springboks starting XV vs Ireland
- Ox Nche
- Malcolm Marx
- Thomas du Toit
- Eben Etzebeth
- Lood de Jager
- Siya Kolisi (c)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Cameron Hanekom
- Cobus Reinach
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Ethan Hooker
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Damian Willemse
Five predicted changes from the starting XV against France: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Cameron Hanekom and Cobus Reinach come in.
RUCK verdict
Erasmus doesn't need to rip up his blueprint after one defeat.
The Springboks were poor in the first half against France, but their response showed there's still plenty to build on.
Etzebeth's potential return would strengthen the pack, while Hanekom offers an exciting alternative at No.8.
Reinach has earned another opportunity, and restoring Marx and Nche to the starting front row makes sense.
But the biggest decision is at fly-half.
Sacha has the talent. Now he needs the backing.
Dublin is no place to hide. It's the perfect place to respond.
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