South Africa have rested Breyton Paulse, the two-try hero of last weekend's victory over Argentina, for tomorrow's Test against Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

Pieter Rossouw replaced Chester Williams on the left wing at half-time in Buenos Aires but will start the match with him while Paulse takes a break.

Springboks coach Harry Viljoen explained: "We decided to rest Breyton completely this week. We have a process that we are managing with him, Chester and Pieter.

"We kept him away from the training field all week long because he hasn't had a break yet this season. A rest now will stand him in good stead."

He added: "We must manage the process carefully because we need all three those wings and I don't want to lose one of them. It's part of a process that I've agreed to with them," the coach said.

Outside centre Grant Esterhuizen has recovered from the knee injury that forced him off the field against Argentina.

Ireland coach Warren Gatland said he was surprised at the move to omit Paulse.

"It's surprising that he's been left out. He looked very sharp in the Argentina game," Gatland said.

Gatland said he believed South Africa were taking the Ireland game more seriously after seeing their second string turned over by the Irish in the A international on Wednesday.

"Perhaps they've had to reassess and put a bit more emphasis on Sunday's game," he said.

"I think you have to put them (South Africa) firmly as favourites," Gatland said.

"But there's a lot of confidence in Irish rugby at the moment. The players are not apprehensive, they believe in their own ability and know they can give a strong performance."

Meanwhile, outside centre Grant Esterhuizen has recovered from a knee injury and is fit to play. Hooker John Smit has shaken off the flu and is fit for Sunday's clash at Lansdowne Road.