Ten minutes until kick-off.

How are you nerves?

Two ends of the experience ladder here.

It's a big day for debutant Jamie Osborne, while Peter O'Mahony will lead the team out for his 106th Irish cap.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Shane Horgan
Former Ireland wing on Sky Sports

"South Africa are back-to-back world champions but will be looking for revenge on Ireland for the defeat in Paris at the World Cup."

Ever since Hugo Keenan's involvement with the Olympic-bound Sevens squad was confirmed, who would wear the 15 jersey for Ireland this summer has been one of the most intriguing storylines.

Head coach Andy Farrell has plumped for fresh blood in Leinster's Jamie Osbourne over squad members Jimmy O'Brien, Jordan Larmour and Jacob Stockdale, who have all got Test match experience.

The 22-year-old has mainly featured for Leinster at centre but Farrell has backed his new full-back to add to Ireland's performance, and was quick to list off his attributes to the media on Thursday.

Image source, BBC Sport

Rory Best
Former Ulster captain on Sky Sports

"We saw South Africa smash Wales at the gain line and they will look to do that again against Ireland today to stop them getting quick ball."

There was something of a surprise in Andy Farrell's team announcement as uncapped Jamie Osborne will make his debut at full-back.

The 22-year-old Leinster player fills the position usually occupied by his club team-mate Hugo Keenan, who is currently preparing for the Paris Olympics with Ireland's sevens side.

Jimmy O'Brien had been expected to get the nod at full-back for the opener of the two-Test series against the back-to-back world champions, while squad members Jordan Larmour, Ciaran Frawley and Jacob Stockdale also have international experience in the position.

Osborne has primarily played at centre for his province, last starting a senior game at full-back in November 2022 against Glasgow Warriors.

Munster scrum-half Craig Casey gets the nod to start in place of the injured Jamison Gibson-Park.

Plenty of Ireland fans have made the trip over to Pretoria.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has defended captain Siya Kolisi after Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti made comments about the player's weight.

Lorenzetti criticised Kolisi and Fiji international Josua Tuisova earlier this month, saying the Springbok forward had put on weight and was "invisible" in Racing's Top 14 quarter-final loss to Bordeaux.

However, speaking at a news conference in which Kolisi was confirmed as captain for this series against Ireland, Erasmus defended the two-time World Cup-winning captain.

"Siya will be captain and Siya will play six flank and Siya's fit," said Erasmus.

Image source, Getty Images

There are some big hitters lining up for the World Champions this afternoon in Pretoria.

Scrum-half Faf de Klerk was an injury doubt for the opening match but has been passed fit to start.

Handre Pollard, who kicked four penalties in the 12-11 win over New Zealand, has been named at fly-half.

Full-back Willie le Roux, back row Kwagga Smith and prop Ox Nche, who will all start in Pretoria, came off the bench in the World Cup showpiece.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland are not the only northern hemisphere nation in action today. Ealirer, New Zealand edged past England 16-15 in a thrilling opening Test in Dunedin.

The sides were level at the interval as Sevu Reece and Ardie Savea scored either side of a Maro Itoje try converted by Marcus Smith, who missed three of his five kicks, including one close to the line of the posts.

England started brightly after the break and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's finish in the corner after some powerful work at close quarters gave Steve Borthwick's side belief of ending their 21-year-old wait for a win in New Zealand but six points from the boot of Damian McKenzie handed the All Blacks victory.

Image source, Getty Images

Australia defeated Wales by 25-16 in Sydney to give new coach Joe Schmidt an opening victory in his first match in charge.

Tries from Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright set up the victory with Wales managing a penalty try and nine points from new fly-half Ben Thomas.

Warren Gatland's side suffered their eighth successive international defeat which is Wales' worst losing sequence since a run of losses in 2012 and 2013.

The latest loss means Wales drop to their lowest position in World Rugby's rankings, slipping to 11th and falling outside the top 10 for the first time.

These two famous rugby nations have been going at it for 118 years with South Africa comfortably leading the way in the head-to-head stats.

The Springboks have won 18 of the 28 Tests played between the sides.

However, ahead of the latest chapter in Pretoria on Saturday, Ireland can look back on some famous wins against the four-time World Cup winners.

From Ireland's first win in 1965 to their most recent clash at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, take a trip down memory lane here ahead of kick-off

Image source, Getty Images

The stage is set.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Ireland's intriguing Test series in South Africa was announced in December and seven months of build-up is finally nearly over.

Ireland won last year's rip-roaring World Cup encounter on neutral soil in Paris, so the Springboks will be keen for revenge as they look to cement their place at the top of the world rankings.

South Africa are back-to-back world champions while Ireland are back-to-back Six Nations winners.

This should be a good one. You can follow live updates from today's game here.

Image source, Getty Images