The price of this one hinges on the unknown Jonny Sexton factor.

Will the new 10 improve Ireland or will he – at 24 years of age and with one cap under his belt – flounder under the pressure of lining out against the World Champions?

All the indications – for anyone who has been watching a reasonable amount of Irish provincial rugby of late at least – are that Sexton will more than adequately fill in for O’Gara.

Add in the rumoured loss of Bakkies Botha from the Boks starting line-up and the even money or better available about Ireland looks even tastier.

The breakdown battle and the SA scrum – albeit possibly weakened by Botha’s absence – are the sole caveats for Ireland but the men in green still look to have the weapons to score good tries and restrict South Africa to penalties and possibly an opportunistic five pointer.

It’s tight, but Ireland have several key edges – not least the pace and passing of their back division - and can be backed with confidence.

Almost as fascinating is the clash of France and New Zealand later on Saturday evening.

France won a belting game against South Africa a couple of weeks ago, but just how sound is that form? Not very, in my view, as the Boks folded relatively tamely up front in the end and lacked the weapons to probe the French weak areas. The loss of Imanol Harinorduquy also damages the French outlook.

It is unlikely Les Bleus’ pack will steamroller the All Blacks and out-half Francois Trinh-Duc does not look up to steering his men to an attritional win either.

New Zealand are value at anywhere from 8/11 or better.

Recommended: 3 points Ireland to beat South Africa (11/10); 2 points New Zealand to beat France (8/11)