Zane Kirchner starts at outside-centre for South Africa © Getty Images

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News: O'Driscoll wants new fortress

Matches: Ireland 21 - 23 South Africa

Tournaments/Tours: South Africa tour

Teams: Ireland | South Africa

Ireland take on South Africa on Saturday with the clash taking on added significance as the first Test to be staged at the recently-opened Aviva Stadium.

The home side endured a disappointing defence of their Six Nations title and a humiliating loss to New Zealand over the summer, but their woes were pint-sized compared to the furore that greeted the Springboks' dismal Tri-Nations campaign.

Ireland prevailed 15-10 on the last meeting of the sides a year ago and will hope for a similar result against a Springbok side struggling to cope following injuries to several leading lights, including skipper John Smit.

Ireland - Player to Watch: As always a fair amount of attention will fall on their skipper, Brian O'Driscoll, especially given his match-up with the untried Zane Kirchner at outside-centre. The Bulls fullback has been drafted in as cover for the Boks' injury-hit midfield but could learn a lesson or two from Ireland's master.

Ireland - Team News: Gordon D'Arcy returns at inside-centre while Luke Fitzgerald provides a big boost with his comeback on the wing. Eoin Reddan starts at scrum-half in place of the injured Tomas O'Leary, partnering Jonny Sexton. Mick O'Driscoll continues in the second-row in the absence of Paul O'Connell.

South Africa - Player to Watch: Bjorn Basson makes his first Test start on the wing and will need to be closely watched. The future Bulls flyer tore up the scoring charts in the recent Currie Cup season in an average Griquas side.

South Africa - Team News: Deon Stegmann makes his debut in the back-row in place of the injured Schalk Burger, while Sharks youngster Patrick Lambie could be set for a Test bow if Jean De Villiers fails a fitness test on his groin problem. Kirchner starts in midfield and up front there are returns for Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis and Bakkies Botha.

Key Battle: South Africa's backline could be a major issue given Ireland's settled look out wide, but that problem will be exacerbated by a poor showing up front. The Boks will fancy turning the screw on an Ireland scrum that has failed to impress in recent seasons.

Trivia: In 2006, Ireland beat South Africa 32-15 in the last November Test to be staged at the old Lansdowne Road.

Stats: Prop CJ van der Linde, a favourite in Dublin after his spell with Leinster, can equal the record for Springbok appearances against Ireland with an appearance on the bench. He currently sits on five, one behind John Smit and Percy Montgomery.

Quote Unquote:

"South Africa's game is based on physicality and bullying the opposition. If we don't match that then we'll be sent back with our tails between our legs. The first 20 minutes of that first Test for the Lions was brutal. They came at us with an intensity that I'd never experienced before and I know they'll probably want to try and replicate that again." - Ireland wing Tommy Bowe.

"It's a new-look side but with 13 season-ending injuries it couldn't be anything else. But we're looking on the positive side and this is a great opportunity to test some new players in the toughest conditions." - South Africa coach Peter De Villiers.

Prediction: This one is going to be close. Ireland are the more settled outfit and have home advantage for what will be a big occasion - that should be enough to swing a narrow win.