Rugby-South Africa and Ireland are no strangers despite infrequent meetings

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - South Africa Press Conference - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - September 22, 2023 South Africa's Steven Kitshoff during the press conference REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - South Africa and Ireland have met once at international level since 2017, but despite the surprisingly infrequent duels, there will be plenty of familiarity among the teams in their Pool B showdown in the Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday.

The entry of South African clubs into what was then called the Pro 14, now United Rugby Championship, has seen them battle Ulster, Munster, Connacht and Leinster for the crown over the past two seasons.