The first genuine heavyweight contest at this World Cup for two weeks has seen South Africa fire all the pre-match shots and Ireland soak it all up.
Springboks rugby director Rassie Erasmus was in fine form when joking about status this week. "A few of my friends said that Ireland is our bogey team, but the World Cup is Ireland's bogey competition," he said.
Ireland could go a long way to cementing their status as one of the tournament favourites by beating the reigning champions in Paris, but they will have to fend off the Boks' most potent line-up, with a bench stacked full of seven forwards and just one back — plus their former lock, Jean Kleyn.
None of the above gave Ireland boss Farrell pause for thought, however, which makes sense when his side are No1 in the world. Asked about the seven-one split, Farrell replied: "It's great. They obviously know what fits for them and so do we."
Pressed if South Africa's approach made him re-evaluate his selection, Andy Farrell answered: "No, never."
Ireland's conviction is entirely justified: Johnny Sexton is firing, Bundee Aki looks the form centre and the pack is physical and fluent.
Now, all that remains to be seen is if these two prize-fighting teams can set the World Cup standard tomorrow night.
