The Springboks believe that they have hit their sweet spot ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup clash against Ireland in Paris.

Apart from playing the All Blacks in Auckland and in London earlier in the year, Saturday’s Test against the Irish will be their biggest challenge to date, and the reigning World Champions are confident.

The Boks defence of late has been simply outstanding and this is an aspect of their game that will give them an edge against Ireland.

The Boks depth they have built since winning the World Cup for a third time in 2019 is also one of their biggest success stories and they actually have two full international teams at the tournament.

The Boks plan to go with a seven-one split again and caused an outrage in some camps again, however, it is perfectly within the laws of the game.

Jacques Nienaber - Getty

The Boks coach, Jacques Nienaber, explains the reasoning being opting for the “nuke squad” on the bench.

“We analysed Ireland and after looking at them and what they bring and what we think we will need in this specific game from a tactical point of view and trying to counter everything they do - that’s the reason we went with seven-one.

“I don’t necessarily think Ireland and New Zealand are similar in how they do things. It’s for this specific game.

“The ‘bomb squad’ that came on against Scotland also had a big impact. That’s what we want.

“I don’t call them finishers or stuff like that. The guys that start and guys who come off the bench have a role to fulfil. That’s why when we talk about our front-rowers, we don’t talk about first choice or second choice. It doesn’t necessarily work like that in our team.

“The guys who start have a specific role to perform and the moment we see that being achieved, we bring the other guys off the bench.”

Saturday’s massive test at the iconic Stade de France kicks off at 21:00.

Namibia vs. Italy - Getty

Meanwhile, on Thursday night the action continues with the host France playing against Namibia in Marseille.

A win from France will just about guarantee them of advancing to the quarter-finals, although they still have to face Italy in Pool A.

Les Blues have already managed to be the All Blacks while last where they held off a determined Los Teros of Uruguay.

By the same token the Welwitschias lost 52-8 to Italy and 71-3 to the All Blacks.

The Namibian assistant coach, Pine Pienaar, who hails from Bloemfontein said it will be important to rectify the small things against a very tough opponent.

“If we are going to create opportunities, we've got to make sure our conversion rate is a bit better,” said Pienaar, who is also an assistant coach at the Bulls.

“I think it was three times against New Zealand we were almost on the try line and we conceded a turnover so maybe just going another phase, being more accurate with our ball carriers, making sure how we address that breakdown. That's something we talked about.

“For us tomorrow night, if we only get four or five opportunities we've got to build better pressure with ball in hand.

“On the other hand, if we concede a turnover, which we did against the All Blacks, it's how we can handle that transition a bit quicker. For their second try, we were on the maul and conceded a turnover and 30 seconds later we were behind our try line so the transition has to be a focus for us tomorrow night.”

This clash between France and Namibia at the Stade Velodrome kicks off at 21:00.

In Friday’s only game, the Los Pumas of Argentina will be up against Manu Samoa, with kick-off in Saint-Etienne at 17:45.