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Ireland take on world champions South Africa in a pivotal Rugby World Cup clash in Paris.<\/p>\n
Andy Farrell\u2019s men top Pool B following bonus-point wins over Romania and Tonga, while the Springboks have also begun with back-to-back victories.<\/p>\n
Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points.<\/p>\n
Test rugby\u2019s top-ranked teams collide in one of the most eagerly anticipated pool stage matches in World Cup history.<\/p>\n
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Ireland have led the way since last summer\u2019s historic tour success in New Zealand but face a heavyweight clash against the reigning champions early in the competition courtesy of the draw being made based on the rankings at the start of 2020.<\/p>\n
Bookmakers have South Africa as marginal favourites, while Ireland head coach Farrell feels the rest of the world expects his side to lose. The Englishman is well aware of the fixture\u2019s importance but insists it is not \u201cdo or die\u201d.<\/p>\n
Much has been made of South Africa\u2019s bold decision to stack their bench with a seven-one split of forwards and backs. The Springboks successfully deployed the unusual strategy in last month\u2019s crushing 35-7 warm-up win over the All Blacks.<\/p>\n
South Africa boss Jacques Nienaber has divided opinion\u00a0by using it in a World Cup fixture for the first time, while a mocked-up image circulating on social media depicting rival coach Farrell in a blast suit has provided some amusement in the Ireland camp.<\/p>\n
The former dual-code international talked down the significance of South Africa\u2019s tactical statement of intent and urged his players to stick to their own strengths.<\/p>\n
Ireland have the opportunity to secure a quarter-final spot with a game to spare, while South Africa could also take a significant step towards the last eight. The Six Nations champions have won seven of the last 11 meetings between the sides, including a 19-16 success in November.<\/p>\n
Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus this week referenced the head-to-head results while also highlighting Ireland\u2019s record of never having won a World Cup knockout match.<\/p>\n
\u201cA few of my friends said that Ireland is our bogey team, but the World Cup is Ireland\u2019s bogey competition,\u201d he said. The victors will almost certainly top Pool B and probably avoid hosts France in the next round.<\/p>\n
Following sojourns in Bordeaux and Nantes, Ireland will hope to make Paris a permanent home for the five next weeks. All of their remaining fixtures \u2013 up to five in total \u2013 will be staged at Stade de France.<\/p>\n
The stadium has not been a particularly happy hunting ground in recent times. Two of the seven losses suffered in the 40 matches of Farrell\u2019s reign have come in Saint-Denis: costly Six Nations defeats to France in 2020 and 2022.<\/p>\n
Yet there will be a different complexion to this weekend\u2019s game. Instead of enduring a partisan crowd, Ireland will be backed by around 30,000 travelling fans, giving a neutral venue the feel of a home fixture.<\/p>\n
Ireland have been relatively fortunate with injuries so far. But the facial fracture which has cast doubt on France captain Antoine Dupont\u2019s future participation in the tournament is a reminder to all teams of the potential risk of losing key players.<\/p>\n
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In a major boost, first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan is back on the bench this weekend, awaiting his first outing since sustaining a foot problem in last month\u2019s warm-up win over England.<\/p>\n
Sheehan has shone since making his Test debut less than two years ago. Farrell hailed the Leinster man as \u201cworld class\u201d and his availability could make a major difference moving forward.<\/p>\n