Rugby-Springboks opt for seven forwards on the bench against Ireland

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - South Africa start their journey to the Rugby World Cup in France - OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 12, 2023 South Africa's Eben Etzebeth with fans during the official public send-off for the Springboks REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) -Lock Eben Etzebeth has been passed fit to play for South Africa against Ireland in their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash in Paris on Saturday as coach Jacques Nienaber opted for seven forwards on the bench for the fixture that could decide the group.

Etzebeth, a major ‘enforcer’ in the Springbok pack, had been struggling with a shoulder problem picked up in the 18-3 victory over Scotland, but will line up alongside Franco Mostert in the second row.