Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw said that their final autumn nations series Test against world champions South Africa on Saturday (17:40 GMT) will be a “proper test” in terms of assessing where the squad is at.

Ireland suffered a dispiriting loss to New Zealand and then had a below-par victory over Japan, but bounced back in ruthless fashion last weekend as they recorded a record 46-19 victory over Australia, with Henshaw scoring one of their six tries.

After winning the Rugby Championship, the Springboks have won all three of their November matches in the northern hemisphere and will look to claim a tour clean sweep in Dublin after wins over Japan at Wembley, France and Italy.

Ireland famously stunned South Africa in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup, and the sides drew a summer series in 2024, with Henshaw hoping the Irish can back up their Wallabies display with another big performance at the Aviva.

“I think they’re the talk of world ruby at the moment in terms of the strength in depth they have, the individual talent,” he said.

“They’re grinding out results and teams looks like they have them and then they find a way to get back.

“It’s a proper test for us to see where we’re at. We have gone toe-to-toe with them, from summer last year it was one win each in that series, so I suppose they’ll be looking at that as well.

“It’s massively exciting because they’re such a proud nation as well and, you know, when we play against them here in Dublin, it’s always the thriller.”

The 32-year-old believes there is still more to come from Ireland as they look to end 2025 on a high.

“I think [against Australia] we conceded quite easily in first half in that second 20 minutes when they got a roll on,” Henshaw added.

“So, with what’s coming, it’s more of that up-front physicality and big men running down our channels.

“I think we just need to meet them on the gainline and just front up and that’s a thing we’d have to look at, our physicality in around fringes and stopping momentum of teams.”