The Springboks need just one more victory to equal the all-time record of 17 consecutive wins, held by Brian Lochore's New Zealand team of the 1960s.

And if Gary Teichmann's men can defeat the Irish this week and England next Saturday, they will have broken the record and completed their own Grand Slam.

But Teichmann's all-conquering team have fallen short of their own impressive standards in their two recent victories over Wales and Scotland.

And the captain admits the weight of expectation and the pressure of making history may have distracted his players.

"We don't think about it on the field but I suppose it is in the back of our minds," Teichmann said.

"The thing to remember is that we have to beat Ireland first to get anywhere near it."

South Africa have picked the team that beat Scotland

On paper the match should be no contest, with South Africa having beaten Ireland 37-13 and 33-0 in the summer.

But the violent outbursts on that June tour could have an impact on Saturday's action - with Springbok coach Nick Mallet well aware the home side may adopt a physical approach.

"Their traditional game is to be fiery and physical which I think is laudable," Mallet said.

"I certainly wouldn't expect them or want them to stand back and let the other team play.

"But by saying they are not going to step back I hope they are not saying that it's going to be a brawl.

"We want to play rugby and we want to score tries. Rugby is a physical confrontation at the best of times, but it should always be within the laws of the game."

The Irish, weakened by the absence of prop Paul Wallace and flanker Eric Miller, have recalled the combative Keith Wood - who was in the centre of the rough stuff in the summer - at hooker and given a first start to wing Girvan Dempsey.

The Springboks meanwhile have named the same team that produced a strong second-half surge to beat Scotland 35-10 at Murrayfield last weekend.

Teams:

Ireland: 15-Conor O'Shea; 14-Justin Bishop, 13-Kevin Maggs, 12-Jonathan Bell, 11-Girvan Dempsey,; 10-Eric Elwood, 9-Conor McGuinness; 8-Victor Costello, 7-Andy Ward, 6-Dion O'Cuinneagain, 5-Malcolm O'Kelly, 4-Paddy Johns (captain), 3-Peter Clohessy, 2-Keith Wood, 1-Justin Fitzpatrick