Win over Springboks would be 'brilliant scalp' - Ferris

Former Ireland international Stephen Ferris said that South Africa are "overwhelming favourites" to beat Ireland in their autumn Test at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (17:40 GMT).

The back-to-back World Cup winners come into the game in Dublin off the back of winning the Rugby Championship title and beating France in Paris earlier this month despite playing half of the match with 14 men.

As a result, Ferris, who won 35 caps for Ireland, said a win against the Springboks would represent a "brilliant scalp" for Andy Farrell's men.

"South Africa are overwhelming favourites, they are going to bring huge physicality," Ferris told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson after he was inducted into the Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame.

"Hopefully Ireland get a foothold in the set piece and if they can get their attack going through Sam Prendergast, who was exceptional last week for the most part, then we can sneak a win."

Ireland have won four of the past five matches between the sides, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool encounter and last year's hugely dramatic second Test in Durban.

Ferris hopes Ireland can back up their display against Australia with another statement win in what will be their last game before their Six Nations opener against France in February.

"The next game for Ireland after this is France. We've put Australia away, can we do the same with South Africa and then look at France after that?" he added.

"It'll be a massive challenge, but there's something about this team and young crop of players coming through and I firmly believe Ireland can get the win."