The upcoming blockbuster pits the southern hemisphere champions against the northern hemisphere champions. World champs against Six Nations Grand Slam champs. It’s the perfect match to conclude what has been a remarkable season for the Boks.

Admittedly, the disappointing displays on the current end-of-year tour has dampened the season somewhat, but coach Peter de Villiers made it clear from the outset that results were not the primary objective of the tour.

Instead, the European excursion would serve as a platform to blood new players and iron out the kinks left in the Boks’ game. The tour hasn’t been too fruitful with no definite stars of the future emerging – ala Frans Steyn in 2006 – and the problems at scrum time seemingly worsening.

The “Italian Job” though is arguably the turning point of the tour. Questions were answered and players came to the fore. Tendai Mtawarira, BJ Botha and Wynand Olivier produced stellar cameos in the second half against the Azzurri, which warrant their inclusion in Saturday’s starting line-up.

The impressive turnaround by the front row, with captain John Smit back at hooker, was a joy to see but makes for quite a selection poser. Should Smit revert to hooker at the expense of Bismarck du Plessis, or, should the Boks persist with the troubling Smit-tighthead experiment?

It’s a difficult decision to make in the long run. However, for one week only, the Boks brains trust should think short-term and play horses for courses by opting for “The Beast,” Smit and Botha in the front row and Olivier and Jaque Fourie in the midfield.

The Boks simply need their strongest possible side to conquer Ireland in their own back yard. De Villiers and Co should do what’s necessary to end the season on a high this weekend, enjoy some time off and thoroughly address the selection issues when the squad regroups next year.