John O'Sullivan runs the rule over the South African team as they prepare to take on Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

15 Bevin Fortuin

Age: 27. Franchise: Cheetahs. Height: 178cm. Weight: 83kg. Caps: 0.

Switched to the Cheetahs last year in time to help them to their first Currie Cup triumph since 1976. Reliable under the high ball, this debutant is sure to be tested in that respect. Assured in most facets of the game.

14 Jaco Pretorius

Age: 26. Franchise: Lions. Height: 183cm. Weight: 93kg. Caps: 0.

The Springboks Sevens captain makes his international debut at the 15-a-side code. Ostensibly a centre where he has played the majority of his rugby, he has been selected on the right wing. Given his Sevens experience, should be pretty decent with ball in hand.

13 Bryan Habana

Age: 23. Franchise: Bulls. Height: 178cm. Weight: 89kg. Caps: 15.

One of the most exciting talents in world rugby. Give him an inch and he'll probably score a try. Played much of his formative rugby at outside centre, but at Test level has been chosen on the wing. Boasts a try a game average in international rugby.

12 Jean de Villiers

Age: 25. Franchise: Stormers. Height: 190cm. Weight: 100kg. Caps: 24.

Regarded as one of the most talented backs every to don the Springbok jersey. Initially played on the wing when he broke into Test rugby, but has made the number 12 jersey his own. Damaged a rib in the first match of 2006, but played a huge part in his team's wins at the end of the Tri-Nations.

11 Francois Steyn

Age: 19. Franchise: Sharks. Height: 190cm. Weight: 100kg. Caps: debut.

Was playing schools rugby this time last year. Big physically, he is more at home in either the outhalf or fullback position. It'll be a tough debut and his duel with Shane Horgan will be interesting. Bound to get a garryowen or two.

10 Andre Pretorious

Age: 27. Franchise: Lions. Height: 175cm. Weight: 90kg. Caps: 21.

After a successful debut season for the Springboks in 2002 Pretorious made just two further appearances in the next 29 Tests, when the team adopted a more conservative approach. Kicked the winning penalty against the All Blacks in Rustenburg.

9 Ricky Januarie

Age: 24. Franchise: Lions. Height: 170cm. Weight: 80kg. Caps: 12.

Had a disappointing 2006 season, losing his place to Fourie du Preez, who has been rested for this tour. Played for South Africa Schools, under-19s and under-21s and at the latter grade beat off his perennial rival du Preez.

1 Lawrence Sephaka

Age: 28. Franchise: Lions. Height: 178cm. Weight: 110kg. Caps: 23.

Began his career as a loosehead - then switched to tighthead - where he'll play today. Has played in just three Tests this year, on all three occasions coming from the replacements bench. Hasn't started many games at any level this season.

2 John Smit (capt)

Age: 28. Franchise: Sharks. Height: 185cm. Weight: 116kg. Caps: 60.

Will equal Gary Teichmann's record at Lansdowne Road by leading the Boks for a 36th time. One of the best hookers in the game, he has played the last 37 games for his side. Strong and physical with an abrasive edge.

3 CJ van der Linde

Age: 26. Franchise: Cheetahs. Height: 190cm. Weight: 122kg. Caps: 30.

Established himself as Jake White's first-choice tighthead prop during last year's Tri-Nations. Broke a leg at a Cheetahs training session but returned to play the second Test against Scotland and then the Tri-Nations. Big man, good in tight and carries ball.

4 Johan Ackerman

Age: 36. Franchise: Sharks. Height: 198cm. Weight: 112kg. Caps: 8.

He hasn't played for the Boks since 2001, when he won the last of his eight caps. In 2004 he decided to quit rugby at the age of 34, coinciding with South Africa's tenure as Tri-Nations champions. Came back in 2005 and has played for Northampton and Calvisano.

5 Albert van den Berg

Age: 32. Franchise: Sharks. Height: 203cm. Weight: 110kg. Caps: 40.

Made six appearances for the Boks this season, five as a replacement. Had been absent from Test rugby for three years prior to being recalled by Jake White in 2004. Career hampered by injury and more often used as an impact player these days.

6 Danie Rossouw

Age: 28. Franchise: Bulls. Height: 198cm. Weight: 118kg. Caps: 17.

Started three of the five matches at the 2003 World Cup. Picked in the second row for the first four Tests of 2006. He understudies Bakkies Botha at the Bulls but has been selected for this tour because of his ball-carrying abilities.

7 Juan Smith

Age: 25. Franchise: Cheetahs. Height: 193cm. Weight: 102kg. Caps: 27.

The Cheetahs captain was the Boks form forward until a thigh injury ruled him out of the home matches in the Tri-Nations series. A member of the side that won the 2002 under-21 World Cup. Tall, athletic and a great ball player.

8 Pierre Spies

Age: 21. Franchise: Bulls. Height: 193cm. Weight: 105kg. Caps: 4.

During his underage career he played on the wing for the South African under-19 team. Dropped after an inauspicious debut in the 49-0 loss to Australia, he delivered three brilliant performances in the final games of the Tri-Nations. A player of real promise.